Bride of the Shadow King

The thrilling first in a romantasy trilogy from Mercedes (the Warbride series) layers plentiful intrigue and action with delicate worldbuilding and vibrant characters. As the eldest daughter, Princess Faraine of Gavaria has always known her role as a pawn in her father’s machinations. Her volatile gods-gift, bestowed on the day of her christening, has driven her from the heart of her father’s kingdom into the solitude of a convent, to be retrieved only when her family has need of her magical talents. This time, she’s been called to persuade her sister Ilseve to accept an arranged marriage to King Vor of Mythanar, leader of the Under Realm. The union will cement a mutually beneficial alliance that will give the human kingdom a fighting chance against an encroaching fae ruler. Before the wedding can take place, however, a chance encounter between Faraine and King Vor leaves him entirely preoccupied with the wrong sister and launches both on a journey of profound discovery. Alternating between Faraine and Vor’s perspectives, Mercedes makes the romantic chemistry palpable and ratchets up the political suspense. By turns tender and tense, this addictive beginning will leave readers excited to find out what happens next. Agent: Amanda Jain, BookEnds. (Nov.)