As her seventeenth summer solstice approaches, Brienna harbors two singular desires: to master her chosen passion and to secure the patronage of a benefactor.
Having grown up in the southern realm of Valenia at the esteemed Magnalia House, one might assume she was well-prepared. Yet, in a land where individuals are naturally inclined toward one of five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to discover her own until she settled on knowledge. Despite her diligent preparations, her worst fear materializes: she finds herself without a patron.
A twist of fate alters her trajectory when a fallen lord extends patronage to her. Skeptical of his motives, she reluctantly agrees. Unbeknownst to her, his story runs deeper—there’s a perilous conspiracy to overthrow Maevana’s king, Valenia’s rival kingdom, and reinstate the legitimate queen, along with her magical prowess, to the northern throne. What Brienna doesn’t realize is that others, some closer to her than she imagines, are entangled in this web of intrigue.
As the threat of war looms, Brienna must make a crucial decision—loyalty to her chosen passion or allegiance to her bloodline. The impending rise of a queen destined to lead the battle for the crown adds further complexity. The question remains: who will emerge as that queen?
Debut author Rebecca Ross crafts a captivating narrative set in a world where appearances deceive and intricacies abound. Her tale, rich with vivid descriptions, delves into themes of revenge, loyalty, and, ultimately, the journey of self-discovery.
