"A wonderfully satisfying magical saga."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

It is the end days of elemental magic. Sixteen-year-old Iolanthe Seabourne never thought her elemental abilities would amount to anything, until she calls down a bolt of lightning from a cloudless sky. Suddenly she finds herself pursued by forces allied with the Bane, the greatest tyrant the mage world has ever known.

Her savior is a young prince who seems too good to be true. Titus is cunning, prepared, and absolutely devoted to Iolanthe's welfare. Of course he has an agenda of his own. He will shield her, disguised as a boy at his all-male, nonmage school, from those who wish her harm. In exchange for her safety, he intends her to bring down the Bane and fulfill a prophecy made before either of them was born.

Iolanthe, no fool, wants nothing to do with the Bane—or musty old prophecies. She also wants nothing to do with the growing attraction she feels for Titus. As the servants of the Bane close in, however, she begins to realize that perhaps there is more to life than her own well-being. But is she brave enough to join forces with Titus and aim for the Bane's overthrow, which would lead to almost certain deaths for both Titus and herself?

In this magical epic fantasy adventure, Sherry Thomas has created a fast-paced, intricately woven plot, a simmering romance, and a pair of remarkable protagonists who will stay with you long after you have reached the last page.