M'Mary E. Pearson is a fearless storyteller' Stephanie GarberA reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives, and their hearts, in a new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Remnant Chronicles. When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader.

Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger. At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements.

When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfil their own secret missions. PRAISE FOR MARY E.

PEARSON'One of my favorite reads of the year' Alyson Noel'Deeply satisfying, intricately plotted fantasy' Robin LaFevers'Breathtaking' Booklist'Heart-pounding' Cinda Williams Chima