This luxe paperback edition features a foil-stamped and embossed cover, a brand-new map and interior artwork, multiple bonus chapters, a book club guide, and an exclusive author Q&A!
In this first epic romantasy in the Best of #BookTok Shattered Crown trilogy perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and The Serpent & the Wings of Night, brutal trials bring together a grieving fae warrior with shadow magic and a human knight out for revenge.
For centuries, humans and the magical races of Arcanis have been bitter enemies. Their only hope for lasting peace lies in the Arcane Crucible, a brutal series of trials that demands sacrifice every twenty-five years.
Elyria Lightbreaker, once a celebrated fae war hero, is a shadow of her former self. When the man she loved was lost to last year’s Crucible, Elyria lost herself too—but now that his sister has stepped forward as a contender, she must rise to protect another person she loves from meeting the same fate. Which means entering the very nightmare she abhors and fighting like hell to get them both out alive.
Cedric Thorne, humankind’s would-be champion, has lived only for vengeance. To him, Elyria is the enemy who stole everything: his family; his peace; his past, present, and future. But the Crucible doesn’t care about grudges. To survive, Cedric and Elyria must fight side by side, even as their determination to win burns hotter than the desire they can’t deny.
Dark magic. Betrayal. A slow-burn love that could ignite the world. In the Arcane Crucible, enemies could become lovers…or destroy each other before the trials are through.
She's the Fae, He's just a Guy
"Took me a beat to get into this, but mainly because the MMC has the same name as someone I know and I was trying to seperate the two in my head. So that's on me. But I'm thrilled I powered through. You're dropped into action from the jump, and the pacing is pretty consistent from there. The magic system and world as a whole were unique and detailed, but familiar enough you catch on quick. The FMC is the powerful, experienced fae warrior for once, And the MMC is just a young guy with a tragic backstory. As for the plot: I like that characters were often left with as many questions as answers, on what to do and what was happening, as we do reading it. Not in a confusing way, but in an impossible to anticipate kinda way. I read alot of books, across genres, and the turns taken spun me. I can't wait to see where the next of the three takes us."
