Welcome to Nissera, land of three kingdoms and home to spectacular
magic.
Bristal, a sixteen-year-old kitchen maid, finds herself in a gritty
fairy tale gone wrong when she discovers she has magic in her blood.
She's descended from an ancient line of immortal sorcerers called
elicromancers--a race that has all but died out in her world, but only
two remain in Nissera after a bloody civil war. Bristal joins their
ranks without knowing that one of them has a dark secret . . .
Tamarice is plotting a quest to overthrow the realm's nobility and take
charge herself. Together, Bristal and Brack must guard the three
kingdoms of Nissera against Tamarice's black elicromancy. There are
princesses to protect, royal alliances to forge, and fierce monsters to
battle--all with the hope of preserving peace.
With clever homages to Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and the Chinese
legend of Hua Mulan, Hannah West makes a fast-paced, exciting, and
wholly original debut. The Nissera Chronicles begin here and continue
with Fields of Fire, a short story set against the events of Kingdom
of Ash and Briars, and Realm of Ruins, a gripping companion novel.
One of the best books I've ever read.--C.J. Redwine, New York Times
best-selling author of The Shadow Queen
A world both terrifying and wonderful.--Kirkus Reviews (starred
review)