From the author of the New York Times bestselling The Testing trilogy comes a sweeping new fantasy series, perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Sarah J. Maas.

Twins Carys and Andreus were never destined to rule Eden. With their older brother next in line to inherit the throne, the future of the kingdom was secure.

But appearances—and rivals—can be deceiving. When Eden’s king and crown prince are killed by assassins, Eden desperately needs a monarch, but the line of succession is no longer clear. With a ruling council scheming to gain power, Carys and Andreus are faced with only one option—to take part in a Trial of Succession that will determine which one of them is worthy of ruling the kingdom.

As sister and brother, Carys and Andreus have always kept each other safe—from their secrets, from the court, and from the monsters lurking in the mountains beyond the kingdom’s wall. But the Trial of Succession will test the bonds of trust and family.

With their country and their hearts divided, Carys and Andreus will discover exactly what each will do to win the crown. How long before suspicion takes hold and the thirst for power leads to the ultimate betrayal?

• A Brutal Contest: Twins Carys and Andreus have always been allies. Now, a bloody Trial of Succession forces them to become enemies, where only one can rule and the other may not survive.
• Royal Intrigue: After a shocking assassination leaves the throne vacant, a scheming council seeks to seize control, pushing the twins into a deadly political game.
• Forbidden Secrets: Both Carys and Andreus harbor secrets that could destroy them—and the kingdom. As the trial unfolds, they must protect their own truths while unearthing their twin’s.
• Monsters Within and Without: While monstrous Xhelozi lurk beyond the city walls, the true monsters may be the ones in the court who will stop at nothing to gain the crown.