The spectacular New York Times bestselling fantasy series begins here. When two young witches clash with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless bodyguard, they're caught up in a world of fraught politics and a country on the knife-edge of war.

In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands

Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home. Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom. But with war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

'Richly drawn characters, and dazzling intrigue . . . Do not miss out!'
Sarah J. Maas

'Magic, romance, and non-stop action'
Maria V. Snyder

'Dynamic storytelling . . . breathtaking'
Publishers Weekly

Susan Dennard has worldbuilding after my own heart. It's so good it's intimidating