Kingdom of Ash and Briars

A stunning fantasy debut inspired by familiar fairytales, complete with cursed princesses, thieves-turned-soldiers, and a heroine destined for great and powerful magic.

"One of the best books I've ever read."-C.J. Redwine, New York Times best-selling author of The Shadow Queen

* "A world both terrifying and wonderful."-Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Bristal, a sixteen-year-old kitchen maid, lands in a gritty fairy tale gone wrong when she discovers she has elicromancer magic in her blood. Elicromancers are an ancient breed of immortal people, but only two remain in Nissera after a bloody civil war. Bristal joins the ranks of Brack and Tamarice without knowing that one of them has a dark secret . . . Tamarice is plotting a quest to overthrow the realm's nobility and take charge herself. Together, Bristal and Brack must guard the three kingdoms of Nissera against Tamarice's black elicromancy. There are princesses to protect, royal alliances to forge, and fierce monsters to battle-all with the hope of preserving peace.

With dazzling writing and clever homages to Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, Hannah West makes a spectacular and wholly original debut.