Little Free Library ARC Drop of The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Celadon books did an ARC promotion for The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz. I dropped off three ARcs at the Rose Memorial Library in Stony Point, NY.

Goodreads Blurb

Anna Williams-Bonner has taken care of business—that is to say, she’s taken care of her husband, bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner, and laid to rest those anonymous accusations of plagiarism that so tormented him. Now she is living the contented life of a literary widow, enjoying her husband’s royalty checks in perpetuity, but for the second time in her life, a work of fiction intercedes, and this time it’s her own debut novel, The Afterword. After all, how hard can it really be to write a universally lauded bestseller?

But when Anna publishes her book and indulges in her own literary acclaim, she begins to receive excerpts of a novel she never expected to see again, a novel that should no longer exist. Something has gone wrong, and someone out there knows far too much: about her late brother, her late husband, and just possibly… about Anna herself. What does this person want, and what are they prepared to do? She has come too far, and worked too hard, to lose what she values most: the sole and uncontested right to her own story—and she is, by any standard, a master storyteller.

Author Biography

Author of nine novels: THE SEQUEL (coming in October ’24), THE LATECOMER (2022), THE PLOT (The Tonight Show’s “Summer Reads” pick for 2021), THE UNDOING, originally published as YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN (adapted by David E. Kelley for HBO and starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant and Donald Sutherland), ADMISSION (adapted as the 2013 film of the same name, starring Tina Fey, Lily Tomlin and Paul Rudd), THE DEVIL AND WEBSTER, THE WHITE ROSE, THE SABBATHDAY RIVER and A JURY OF HER PEERS, as well as a middle-grade reader, INTERFERENCE POWDER, and a collection of poetry, THE PROPERTIES OF BREATH.

Watch for television adaptations of THE PLOT and THE LATECOMER!

I’m the founder of BOOKTHEWRITER, a New York City based service that offers “Pop-Up Book Groups” where readers can discuss books with their authors. (Online through Spring 2021) Please join our mailing list at http://www.bookthewriter.com to hear about our events.

If you’ve become aware of my work via THE UNDOING, you should know that my novel differs significantly from the adaptation — and that’s fine with me! Just know that the twists you might be expecting will likely not be there on the page. Other twists, yes, but you’ll have to read the book to find them.

If you’re trying to reach me, please know that I don’t do any communicating through Goodreads, and that includes friend requests and following. (You may also infer that I’ve read more than the few books listed here, all of which are — coincidence? — written by me. I have another GOODREADS account, under another name, with which I keep track of my reading, but it’s private.) I’m particularly inept on Facebook, as well, so trying to reach me that way will be spectacularly ineffective. If you want to get in touch, please use the contact form on my website, jeanhanffkorelitz.com.

I will review this novel soon.

Nicholas Sparks Book Signing at BN Paramus

I had a great time meeting Nicholas again. Over 500 readers stopped by to meet him.

Goodreads Blurb

From the acclaimed author of The Longest Ride and The Notebook comes an emotional, powerful novel about wondering if we can change—or even make our peace with—the path we’ve taken.

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. His whole life has been spent abroad, and he is the proverbial rolling stone . . . happiest when off on his next adventure, zero desire to settle down. But when his grandmother passes away, her last words to him are: find where you belong. She also drops a bombshell, telling him the name of the father he never knew—and where he might be found.

Tanner is due at his next posting soon, but his curiosity is piqued, and he sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around. He’s been in town less than twenty-four hours when he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. They both feel an immediate connection; Tanner knows Kaitlyn has a story to tell, and he wants to hear it. For Kaitlyn, Tanner is mysterious, exciting—and possibly leaving in just a few weeks.

Meanwhile, nearby, eighty-three-year-old Jasper lives alone in a cabin bordering a national forest. With only his old dog Arlo for company, he lives quietly, haunted by a tragic accident that took place decades before. When he hears rumors that a white deer has been spotted in the forest—a creature of legend that inspired his father and grandfather—he becomes obsessed with protecting the deer from poachers.

As these characters’ fates orbit closer together, none of them is expecting a miracle . . . but that may be exactly what is about to alter their futures forever.

Author Biography

Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. All of his books have been New York Times bestsellers, with over 130 million copies sold worldwide, in more than 50 languages, including over 92 million copies in the United States alone.

Sparks wrote one of his best-known stories, The Notebook, over a period of six months at age 28. It was published in 1996 and he followed with the novels Message in a Bottle (1998), A Walk to Remember (1999), The Rescue (2000), A Bend in the Road (2001), Nights in Rodanthe (2002), The Guardian (2003), The Wedding (2003), True Believer (2005) and its sequel, At First Sight (2005), Dear John (2006), The Choice (2007), The Lucky One (2008), The Last Song (2009), Safe Haven (2010), The Best of Me (2011), The Longest Ride (2013), See Me (2015), Two by Two (2016), Every Breath (2018), The Return (2020), The Wish (2021), and Dreamland (2022), as well as the 2004 non-fiction memoir Three Weeks With My Brother, co-written with his brother Micah. His twenty-fourth novel, Counting Miracles, will be published on September 24, 2024.

Film adaptations of Nicholas Sparks novels, including The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven (on all of which he served as a producer), The Lucky One, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John and The Last Song, have had a cumulative worldwide gross of over three-quarters of a billion dollars. The Notebook has also been adapted into a Broadway musical, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.

Sparks lives in North Carolina. He contributes to a variety of local and national charities, and is a major contributor to the Creative Writing Program (MFA) at the University of Notre Dame, where he provides scholarships, internships, and a fellowship annually. He co-founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, North Carolina in 2006. As a former full scholarship athlete (he still holds a track and field record at the University of Notre Dame) he also spent four years coaching track and field athletes at the local public high school. In 2009, the team he coached at New Bern High School set a World Junior Indoor Record in the 4×400 meters, as well as US High School National Records in the 800 Medley and 1600 Medley. Click to watch the Runner’s World video with Nicholas.

The Nicholas Sparks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2011, to provide scholarships and fund educational programs for underprivileged and disadvantaged youth. Between the foundation, and the personal gifts of the Sparks family, more than $15 million dollars have been distributed to deserving charities, scholarship programs, and projects. Because the Sparks family covers all operational expenses of the foundation, 100% of donations are devoted to programs.

Publication Day: The House on Devil’s Lane by S.L. Ireland

THE HOUSE ON DEVIL’S LANE by Sandra Ireland 

Publication Day Party: 25th Sept

Genre: Thriller / Mystery / Occult Horror

Blurb

THE HOUSE ON DEVIL’S LANE is a chilling tale of psychological terror and things that go bump in the night…

What if the home of your dreams turns into your worst nightmare?

Young mum Kat Riley has reasons for wanting to escape her family. When taxi driver Steve Burns comes into her life in the most unusual of circumstances, she sees a way out. With her baby Matthew, she leaves behind a chaotic existence and all that is familiar to make a new life in the Durham countryside.

When Kat first sets eyes on 11 Derville’s Lane, she falls in love with its quaint charm. The interior, however, tells a different story. Recently vacated by Steve’s father, Tommy, there remains a lingering presence and the sense of secrets waiting to be revealed. Soon Kat is struggling to cope with the house’s troubled past and her own dark secrets, while her fledgling career as a blogger soon plunges her into a world of paranormal podcasts, wild conspiracy theories and internet trolls who threaten her safety and her sanity.

Is the house on Devil’s Lane really haunted, or are the ghouls closer to home?




Buy Links



https://www.amazon.co.uk/House-Devils-Lane-S-L-IRELAND-ebook/dp/B0DB8RZNT4



https://www.amazon.com/House-Devils-Lane-S-L-IRELAND-ebook/dp/B0DB8RZNT4




Goodreads



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216868153-the-house-on-devil-s-lane

Out Now: The Night Before Christmas by Nicola Knight

The Night Before Christmas by Nicola Knight

Out Now: 24th September

Genre: Romantic Comedy/Christmas

Publisher: Bloodhound Books

Blurb 

Felicity Brooks hates Christmas. But when she meets a man dressed as a giant penguin on Christmas Eve, could it spell a change of heart in this laugh-out-loud festive romance. 

The ridiculous music. The excessive presents. The stupid Christmas jumpers. Felicity wants nothing more than to escape it all, and pounces on the chance to work shifts over the festive period, at an animal rescue centre. After all, it’s the only place that brings her true happiness. 

But her evening is disturbed by a stranger, James, dressed as a penguin cradling a weak kitten. As Felicity and James work together to nurse the sick feline back to health, it gives them the perfect excuse to bond over their mutual dislike of all things festive. And soon sparks fly. 

But their attraction is interrupted when Felicity’s ex-boyfriend, Adam, returns to declare his undying love. 

And when Felicity is let down by both men she decides to return to her childhood home for some peace. While there, she uncovers an array of family secrets and even more about herself, which may just encourage her to make a choice between Adam and James. 

Can the ex outwit the penguin and win Felicity’s heart this Christmas?

Buy links

GoodReads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217107659-the-night-before-christmas

Review: CatStronauts Mission Moon by Drew Brockington

Goodreads Blurb

CatStronauts, you are needed!
 
When the world is thrust into darkness due to a global energy shortage, the World’s Best Scientist comes up with a bold plan to set up a solar power plant on the moon. But someone has to go up there to set it up, and that adventure falls to the CatStronauts, the best space cats on the planet! Meet the fearless commander Major Meowser, brave-but-hungry pilot Waffles, genius technician and inventor Blanket, and quick thinking science officer Pom Pom on their most important mission yet!

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Fun filled mission to moon to save earth from losing energy. What is the best way to save the earth, then send the best cats in town. It was fun reading and loved the illustrations.

Upcoming Book Event With Fareed Zakaria

Join us for our Keynote Event with Fareed Zakaria, host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, journalist, and author. Zakaria will discuss his New York Times best seller, AGE OF REVOLUTIONS: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present.

How can history’s revolutions help us better understand today’s challenges? In his major new work, Zakaria explores the pivotal revolutions that have shaped world history—from the economic revolution of the seventeenth-century Dutch Golden Age to the Industrial Revolution in nineteenth-century Britain and America—and examines how the current revolutions in globalization, technology, identity, and geopolitics can provide lessons to overcome all challenges.

About the Author

Fareed Zakaria is the host of CNN’s flagship international affairs show, Fareed Zakaria GPS, as well as a weekly columnist for the Washington Post. He is the author of four New York Times best sellers, including Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World.

Friday, October 18, 2024 7:30PM

Notes
All tickets include a signed copy of Age of Revolutions ($29.99 Value)

Our Keynote Fundraiser Event helps underwrite the remarkable free offerings of our all-day Saturday Festival, which features the opportunity to interact with scores of authors. Your ticket purchase at any price will help further support our cause.

Ticket Link https://secure.mayoarts.org/18589/18590

Upcoming Book Event With Nicholas Sparks

Join Barnes & Noble – Paramus in Paramus, NJ on Monday, September 23, 2024 as we welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author, Nicholas Sparks, to the store to celebrate the release of COUNTING MIRACLES B&N Exclusive Edition!

To make this event safe and enjoyable for all attendees, please read the below guidelines ahead of buying a ticket, so you know what to expect on the day. To avoid disappointment, we must stress that there will be no access to the event for non-ticketholders.

Barnes & Noble reserves the right to make new rules and orders in its sole discretion with regard to COVID-19 at any time and any person not abiding by the Barnes & Noble directives will be refused entrance or directed to leave the premises.

TICKET INFORMATION

Link to order https://www.eventbrite.com/e/photo-op-w-nicholas-sparks-to-celebrate-counting-miracles-at-bn-paramus-tickets-893756398447
**A ticket includes

**A ticket PER PERSON includes one presigned copy of COUNTING MIRACLES B&N Exclusive Edition, along with admission to the event space to get a photo with Nicholas Sparks. (LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE)**


EVENT DETAILS
Photo op ONLY + one presigned copy of COUNTING MIRACLES B&N Exclusive Edition.


GUIDELINES
1 ticket PER PERSON = 1 presigned copy of COUNTING MIRACLES B&N Exclusive Edition and 1 photo with Nicholas Sparks.
The photo will be taken by a professional photographer for you to download following the event — no personal cell phone / camera use will be allowed.


**Masks are strongly recommended if you are not vaccinated.
Please have a copy of your ticket available (either printed out or on your phone) for check in.
To avoid disappointment, we strongly advise you to arrive no later than the start time of the event. Late arrivals may not have the opportunity to enter the event space.
No books or memorabilia will be signed at the event.
No large bags will be permitted into the event.
If you require special assistance or require a carer to be present, please contact the store in advance of the event.
Barnes & Noble may cancel this event at any time with or without notice to the ticket holders.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES
Some outside queuing may be required, so please do come dressed appropriately for all weathers.
The exact time at which the event ends will be determined on the day.
Due to health and safety and space limitations, those without a ticket will not be permitted to join the queue.
All event guidelines are subject to change.
If you have any additional questions, you can call the store directly at: (201) 445-4589.
Please note that Eventbrite is the only authorized dealer for this event. Each person must have a ticket to enter.

ABOUT COUNTING MIRACLES



Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. His whole life has been spent abroad, and he is the proverbial rolling stone: happiest when off on his next adventure, zero desire to settle down. But when his grandmother passes away, her last words to him are find where you belong. She also drops a bombshell, telling him the name of the father he never knew—and where to find him.

Tanner is due at his next posting soon, but his curiosity is piqued, and he sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around. He’s been in town less than twenty-four hours when he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. They both feel an immediate connection; Tanner knows Kaitlyn has a story to tell, and he wants to hear it. To Kaitlyn, Tanner is mysterious, exciting—and possibly leaving in just a few weeks.

Meanwhile, nearby, eighty-three-year-old Jasper lives alone in a cabin bordering a national forest. With only his old dog, Arlo, for company, he lives quietly, haunted by a tragic accident that took place decades before. When he hears rumors that a white deer has been spotted in the forest—a creature of legend that inspired his father and grandfather—he becomes obsessed with protecting the deer from poachers.

As these characters’ fates orbit closer together, none of them is expecting a miracle . . . but that may be exactly what is about to alter their futures forever.

ABOUT NICHOLAS SPARKS



With over 100 million copies of his books sold, Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. His novels include fifteen #1 New York Times bestsellers, and all of his books, including Three Weeks with My Brother, the memoir he wrote with his brother, Micah, have been New York Times and international bestsellers, and were translated into more than fifty languages. Eleven of Nicholas Sparks’s novels — The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven, The Lucky One, The Last Song, Dear John, Nights in Rodanthe, The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and Message in a Bottle — have been adapted into major motion pictures.

Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Goodreads Blurb

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still.

By her brother’s graveside, Liesel’s life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger’s Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordian-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor’s wife’s library, wherever there are books to be found.

But these are dangerous times. When Liesel’s foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel’s world is both opened up, and closed down.

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

(Note: this title was not published as YA fiction)

My Review: Rated 3 out of 5 stars

It is a story about the holocaust that will make you feel a hundred emotions. It is a story told through the eyes of death, who narrates it, and through the eyes of the German people. The author uses poetic verses throughout the book to describe moments that will navigate the reader into this captivating story. Throughout the book, the author uses color to describe moments where death describes moments when death occurs, and other characters describe particular moments, like when Liesel tells Max how the weather is outside. The book thief was a teenage girl who risked her life by keeping quiet about the Jewish man hidden by her foster family and the number of books she stole. Liesel was the key that kept Max continuing to fight for his life.

The author, Markus, will shatter our hearts when the world ends for many characters all in one moment. It’s like death came and ripped away all our hopes that the war would end soon; Max and the other characters will survive this nightmare. Unfortunately, not every story can have a happy ending. We are left hopeless and brokenhearted about how Liesel’s life will change from that terrible moment when death comes knocking on the doors of those who live in Himmel Street. “Himmel Street” translates to “the street of heaven.” That unexpected moment will open the gates of heaven for so many innocent lives.

Author Biography

Markus Zusak is the author of five books, including the international bestseller, The Book Thief , which spent more than a decade on the New York Times bestseller list, and is translated into more than forty languages – establishing Zusak as one of the most successful authors to come out of Australia.

To date, Zusak has held the number one position at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, the New York Times bestseller list, as well as in countries across South America, Europe and Asia.

His books, The Underdog, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, When Dogs Cry (also titled Getting the Girl ), The Messenger (or I am the Messenger ) and The Book Thief have been awarded numerous honours ranging from literary prizes to readers choice awards to prizes voted on by booksellers.

Zusak’s much-anticipated new novel, Bridge of Clay , is set for release in October 2018 in the USA, the UK and Australia, with foreign translations to follow.

Cover Reveal: Nowhere Man by Deborah Stone

Nowhere Man by Deborah Stone

Cover reveal: 19th September

Genre: Psychological thriller

Pages: 379

Blurb


When Diana arrives home one evening to find her husband Patrick dead, her world shatters. His mysterious death leaves behind so many unanswered questions.

Meanwhile, miles away, Angie’s husband, Ray, vanishes without a trace, abandoning her and their troubled teenage son.

As both women dig deeper into their husbands’ pasts, they stumble upon a chilling web of lies, deceit, and long-buried secrets. Their separate searches soon collide and dark, twisted revelations force them to face a terrifying truth that threatens everything they hold dear.

Nowhere Man is a heart-pounding psychological thriller that will keep you on edge until the final, shocking twist.
In a world of lies, can you ever really trust the ones you love?

Nowhere Man is the new novel from Deborah Stone, bestselling author of Semi-Detached, Me & My Shadow and What’s Left Unsaid. 



Author bio



Deborah Stone read English Literature at Durham University and lives in North London with her husband, two sons and gorgeous golden retriever, Stanley.

Her new novel, Nowhere Man, will be published on October 3, 2024, available in paperback and Kindle formats.

Her previous novel, Semi-Detached, was published on April 3 and is available in Kindle and paperback. It has just won a Chill With A Book Readers’ Award for 2023.

Her second novel, Me and My Shadow, is a thrilling psychological suspense novel, awarded a Chill with a Book Premier award, which is only awarded to those books which achieve outstanding ratings from all reviewers.

Her first novel, What’s Left Unsaid, won The Chill With A Book Runner Up Prize for Best Book of 2018 and has been highly acclaimed.

Her non-fiction book, The Essential Family Guide to Caring for Older People, is an important manual for any family looking after older relatives. The book was shortlisted as a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2022.

Deborah Stone is a leading expert in the field of elder care. She provides information and advice for families caring for older people, as well as advising companies on the effective development of products and services for older people. Deborah regularly appears on BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 5 as a care expert, as well as contributing to lifestyle magazines and national newspapers with advice for those making decisions about care for relatives.



Buy Links



https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nowhere-Man-Deborah-Stone/dp/B0DGDGCB55



https://www.amazon.com/Nowhere-Man-Deborah-Stone/dp/B0DGDGCB55


Goodreads



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218593069-nowhere-man

Upcoming Book Event With Sabaa Tahir at B&N in Paramus, NJ

About this Event
Join Barnes & Noble – Paramus, NJ on September 30, 2024, as we welcome New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award winning author Sabaa Tahir for a discussion and signing to celebrate the release of HEIR, her newest action-packed, ruthless, and romantic new fantasy that masterfully interweaves the lives of three young people as they grapple with the burdens of power, the treachery of love and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed. Get ready for a dark and breathless journey that will captivate readers and that may cost these young people their lives—and their hearts. Literally.

Sabaa will be in conversation with Tomi Adeyemi, New York Times betselling author of the Legacy of Orïsha Series, the most recent release of which is Children of Anguish and Anarchy.

BONUS!: Each ticket includes a signed copy of the B&N Exclusive Edition of HEIRwhich features a unique cover, colored endpapers & bonus content.

TICKET INFORMATION

Link to ticket: https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/event/9780062170346-0
VIP Exclusive Admission – $23.45 (Event admission + swag bag + one copy of HEIR B&N Exclusive): **VERY LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE**: A ticket PER PERSON includes:

Exclusive swag bag including HEIR-themed map, tea, and more.
One copy of HEIRB&N Exclusive (out 10/1/24).
SEATED admission to the event space and signing line with Sabaa Tahir.
B&N Exclusive Admission – $23.45 (Admission + one copy of HEIR B&N Exclusive): **LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE**: A ticket PER PERSON includes:

One copy of HEIR B&N Exclusive (out 10/1/24).
Admission to the event space and signing line with Sabaa Tahir.
–>For tickets that include admission to the discussion, there are SEATED and STANDING tickets:

For Seated Tickets: Limited quantity is available and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase of a ticket guarantees entrance to the event for the discussion and signing. However, this ticket may not necessarily guarantee a seat at the event, as later arrivals may be placed in a line behind the seated audience.

For Standing Room-Only Tickets: Limited quantity is available and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase of a ticket guarantees entrance to the event for the discussion and signing. Ticket holders will be granted a standing view from behind the seated audience — some views may be more limited/obstructed than others.

Ticket holders will be admitted into the event beginning at 5 PM on the day of the event. Please have a copy of your ticket available (either printed out or on your phone) for check-in.
Candid photos will be allowed as books are being signed and will be taken by a Barnes & Noble bookseller on the guest’s camera/phone across the table. No posed photos.
The author will personalize (name only) your copy of HEIR included with this ticket & sign (signature only) any additional copies of their books.
Any gifts for the author will be collected prior to the signing line.
Other books by the author will be available for purchase at Barnes & Noble – Paramus.
Due to health and safety and space limitations, those without a ticket will not be permitted into the event space.

GUIDELINES
No memorabilia will be signed at the event.
No large bags will be permitted into the event.
Please arrive on time according to your ticket in order to secure your seat in the event space. Late arrivals may only have access to standing room and may not have the opportunity to enter the event space.
The exact time at which the event ends will be determined on the day. To avoid disappointment, we strongly advise you to arrive on time for the event. Late arrivals may not have the opportunity to meet the author.
All event guidelines are subject to change.
If you have any additional questions, please can call the store directly at: (201) 445-4589.
Barnes & Noble may cancel this event at any time with or without notice to the ticket holders.
Please note that Eventbrite is the only authorized dealer for this event. Each person must have a ticket to enter.

REFUNDS
Attendees can receive refunds up to 1 day (24 hours) before your event start TIME OF 6PM.

If you are unable to attend the event, Barnes & Noble – Paramus, NJ will hold your books for seven days after the event. Please contact the store to arrange your pickup.

Should this event be canceled due to changing COVID-19 concerns, all customers will be refunded their ticket price to the original method of payment per Eventbrite’s refund policy.

Event guidelines are subject to change.

ABOUT HEIR:

An orphan.
An outcast.
A prince.
And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.

Growing up in the Kegari slums, AIZ has seen her share of suffering. An old tragedy fuels her need for vengeance, but it is love of her people that propels her. Until one hot-headed mistake lands her in an inescapable prison, where the embers of her wrath ignite.

Banished from her tribe for an unforgiveable crime, SIRSHA is a down-on-her-luck tracker who speaks to the earth, air, and water to trace her marks. Destitute, she agrees to hunt down a killer who has murdered children across the Empire. All she has to do is carry out the job and get paid. But then, she falls for a charismatic and inconvenient fugitive who keeps getting in her way.

QUIL is the crown prince of the Empire, nephew of a famed and venerated empress, but he’s loathe to pick up the mantle when his aunt steps down. As the son of the most hated emperor in the history of his people, he, better than anyone, understands that power corrupts. When a vicious new enemy threatens the survival of the Empire, Quil must ask himself if he can rise above his tragic lineage and be the heir his people need.

Beloved storyteller Sabaa Tahir masterfully interweaves the lives of three young people as they grapple with the burdens of power, the treachery of love and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed. Get ready for a dark and breathless journey that will captivate readers and that may cost these young people their lives—and their hearts. Literally.