In this sequel to The Kinder Poison—which People magazine procalimed a "delicious high-stakes adventure"—the magical kingdom of Orkena is on the brink of war from without and within, and the only person who can save it is Zahru, the girl they once doomed for death.After surviving the Crossing, Zahru has sworn off adventures. While crown prince Jet navigates the looming threat of war, she's content to simply figure out what the future holds for them. But they're dealt a devastating blow when prince Kasta returns with a shocking claim: he's the true heir, and he bears the gods' mark as proof. Even more surprising—he's not the only one.Somehow, Zahru possesses the very same mark, giving her equal right to the throne. The last thing she wants is to rule beside her would-be executioner, but she can't let Orkena fall into his hands. So Zahru, Jet, and their allies must race against the clock to find a way to stop Kasta, because once he's crowned, nothing can...

"A delicious high-stakes adventure"—People magazinePerfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Holly Black, The Kinder Poison is an enthralling fantasy adventure that follows a teenage girl chosen to be the human sacrifice in a deadly game between three heirs who will do anything for the crown.Zahru has long dreamed of leaving the kingdom of Orkena and having the kinds of adventures she's only ever heard about in stories. But as a lowly Whisperer, her power to commune with animals means that her place is serving in the royal stables until the day her magic runs dry.All that changes when the ailing ruler invokes the Crossing. A death-defying race across the desert, in which the first of his heirs to finish—and take the life of a human sacrifice at the journey's end—will ascend to the throne. With all of the kingdom abuzz, Zahru leaps at the chance to change her fate if just for a night by sneaking into the palace for a taste of the...

In this heart-pounding conclusion to The Kinder Poison trilogy—which People magazine proclaimed a "delicious high-stakes adventure"—war looms over Orkena, but can Zahru save her people without losing herself?War has come to Orkena.Zahru has risen as Mestrah, and she is determined to peacefully end the escalating tensions with Wyrim, her country's long-time enemy. Yet diplomacy proves to be futile, and when Zahru turns to Orkena's allies for help, she finds that none are willing to come to her aid—not without Kasta ruling at her side.As Wyrim advances on the capital, Zahru is desperate to protect her people, even if that means accepting Kasta's help. But her enemy is merciless. And as ambushes and betrayals push Zahru to increasingly dark tactics, she wonders if perhaps Kasta had it right all along: maybe peace was never an option ... and maybe she was never meant to do this alone.Can Zahru spare her enemy without...