RED QUEEN meets AN EMBER IN THE ASHES in this exciting YA fantasy debut by young adult author S. L. Byers, featuring magic, a forbidden romance, and a dangerous heist that could determine the fate of a fractured continent.

In a kingdom ruled by magic, Shai's rare ability to unravel spells makes her a valuable asset—especially to The Cliq, a gang of thieves. After being exiled years ago, joining the criminal underworld was the only way for Shai and her mother to survive on the streets. But when a heist goes wrong, Shai is captured and thrown into the palace dungeon… face-to-face with Prince Jistan, her childhood friend.

Jistan is stunned to find Shai behind bars in his home, yet instead of punishing her, he asks for her help pulling off a heist in a rival kingdom. Shai agrees, and together they assemble a crew to steal a mystical treasure chest, one that could end the strife in their country.

Somehow The Cliq learns of the plan, and their ruthless leader demands that Shai bring the chest to them, threatening her mother if she doesn't obey. Torn between loyalty, survival, and the prince she has feelings for, Shai must somehow betray Jistan to save the only family she has left.

When the chest's true power is revealed, the consequences of it falling into the hands of a deadly gang or a tyrannical emperor could plunge the world into chaos. But if Shai and Jistan decide to keep it from both sides? They could lose everything, including their lives.