“[An] immersive mystery . . . packed with action, excellent banter, and court intrigue.” —Sarah Henning, author of The Princess Will Save You
I did not choose this fate. But I will not walk away from it.
Children have been disappearing from across Menaiya for longer than Amraeya ni Ansarim can remember. When her friend’s sister is snatched, Rae knows she can’t look away any longer—even if that means seeking answers from the royal court, where her country upbringing and clubfoot will only invite ridicule.
Yet the court holds its share of surprises. There she discovers an ally in the foreign princess, who recruits her as an attendant. Armed with the princess’s support, Rae seeks answers in the dark city streets, finding unexpected help in a rough-around-the-edges street thief with secrets of his own. But treachery runs deep, and the more Rae uncovers, the more she endangers the kingdom itself.
“A vivid masterpiece with some chilling parallels to the unseen battles fought in our present day and a striking heroine who has a fierce passion for justice.” —Nadine Brandes, author of Romanov
“Deeply engaging and piercing.An illustration that courage and strength can be found in unexpected places and in unexpected people. Amraeya’s refusal to give up even when all the odds are stacked against her will inspire many, many readers.” —Nafiza Azad, author of The Candle and the Flame
Intisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveler.Born in Wisconsin, she has lived infive different states as well as in Jeddahon the coast of the Red Sea. She firstremembers seeing snow on a wintrystreet in Zurich, Switzerland, andvaguely recollects having breakfast withthe orangutans at the Singapore Zoowhen she was five. She currently residesin Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husbandand two young daughters.
Intisar is also the author of Thorn. To find out what she is working on next and connect with her online, visit www.booksbyintisar.com.