NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two outcasts find themselves caught in a web of dangerous magic and
dark secrets that could change the world forever in the start of a riveting epic fantasy series
from the author of The Shadowhunter Chronicles. “Everything I look for in fantasy.”—George
R. R. Martin A POPSUGAR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR In the vibrant city-state of Castellane the
richest of nobles and the most debauched of criminals have one thing in common: the constant
search for wealth power and the next hedonistic thrill. Kel is an orphan stolen from the
life he knew to become the Sword Catcher—the body double of a royal heir Prince Conor
Aurelian. He and Conor are as close as brothers but his destiny is to die for Conor. No other
future is possible. Lin Caster is a physician from a small community whose members still
possess magical abilities. But despite her skills she cannot heal her best friend without
access to forbidden knowledge. After a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel
together they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King the ruler of
Castellane’s criminal underworld. But as long-kept secrets begin to unravel and forbidden
attractions arise they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? And will
their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?
