The stunning sequel to Flame in the Mist from the bestselling author of The Wrath and the Dawn

For weeks, Mariko pretended to be a boy to infiltrate the notorious Black Clan and bring her would-be murderer to justice. She didn't expect to find a place for herself among the group of fighters - a life of alchemy and usefulness - and she certainly didn't expect to fall in love. But now, with the boy she loves captured and sentenced to execution, she must head to the imperial castle to resume a life she never wanted if she wants any chance to save him.


With the wedding plans already underway, Mariko settles into her days at court and uses her royal standing to peel back the layers of lies and deception surrounding the imperial court. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the next, ensnaring Mariko and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their honour, their love and very the safety of the empire.


Mariko and Okami must risk everything to right past wrongs and restore the honour of a kingdom thrown into chaos by a sudden war, hoping against hope that when the dust settles, they will find a way to be together.


PRAISE


'Ahdieh is immensely skilled at crafting vibrant settings inhabited by sympathetic characters with rich pasts' Publisher's Weekly


'Alchemy, samurai, and Renée Ahdieh. Need we say more?' Culturess


'Completely enrapturing' Bookpage

The highly anticipated sequel to Flame in the Mist - an addictive, sumptuous finale that will leave readers breathless from the bestselling author of The Wrath and the Dawn

After Okami is captured in the Jukai forest, Mariko has no choice - to rescue him, she must return to Inako and face the dangers that have been waiting for her in the Heian Castle. She tricks her brother, Kenshin, and betrothed, Raiden, into thinking she was being held by the Black Clan against her will, playing the part of the dutiful bride-to-be to infiltrate the emperor's ranks and uncover the truth behind the betrayal that almost left her dead.

With the wedding plans already underway, Mariko pretends to be consumed with her upcoming nuptials, all the while using her royal standing to peel back the layers of lies and deception surrounding the imperial court. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the next, ensnaring Mariko and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their honor, their love and very the safety of the empire.