Realm of Ruins

Book excerpt: Valory’s power is different—it’s dangerous, unruly, and destructive. Can she channel it to save the realm from chaos . . . or will her magic master her? A century after her legendary ancestors overcame a bloodthirsty tyrant, seventeen-year-old Valory Braiosa attends a training academy for elicromancers, immortal beings with magical gifts. But Valory’s immense power isn't like that of her peers— it seems impossible to tame, and she faces imprisonment by the Nisseran authorities. But when a forbidden resurrection spell awakens a long-dormant evil, Valory may be the only one who can vanquish this terrifying villain. Together with a band of allies—including an old friend; a haughty princess; and a mysterious, handsome stranger—Valory must learn to harness her power and fight back. Dark magic, romance, and an ancient evil make Realm of Ruins a harrowing page-turner. “A brilliantly paced adventure full of betrayals and romance and magic. I could have stayed and played in this treacherous world for a long time.” – Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Legendary Weaving together her imaginative world of magic with snippets from Beauty and the Beast and other classic stories, Hannah West’s gritty adventure is a thrilling, immersive companion to her acclaimed debut. Read this first and then discover the rest of Nissera or start with Kingdom of Ash and Briars—either way, you’ll love the journey. Richly packaged hardcover edition includes an illustrated family tree, detailed map of Nissera, and embossed jacket with shimmering metallic effects.