One of Paste ’s Best Fantasy Books of June 2025! Two thieves vie for dominance in the illegal dragon egg trade, putting both their lives and their hearts on the line in this scorching romantasy from New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle. For Brynla Aihr, crime and survival have always gone hand in hand. Ever since she escaped the fanatical dragon-worshipping cult that controls her homeland, she’s had to carve out a life doing the unthinkable: stealing dragon eggs. Egg theft is illegal and, in most cases, fatal. To breach a dragon’s nest means a harrowing journey through the ancient wards spelled to keep the monstrous beasts confined. Dragons can’t get out and only those with a death wish can get in. Despite the risks, dragon eggs are highly coveted for their magic. An illegal trade flourishes under competing criminal empires, and Brynla’s loyalty has always been to the highest bidder. Until she finds herself kidnapped and blackmailed by Lord Andor, a formidable lieutenant of House Kolbeck, and thrust into the dangerous political games of rivaling dynasties. Brynla and Andor clash at every turn, sparking heat in ways Brynla’s never felt before. But in a world that’s prophesized to return to the dragons, and rife with betrayal and secrets at every turn…how close to the flames is she willing to stand? Praise for Karina Halle " Realm of Thieves should be on every Romantasy lover's 2025 must-read list! Karina has crafted a captivating, magical world full of danger, mystery, romance, and, most importantly, DRAGONS!”—Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times and international bestselling author “Karina Halle always charms.”— New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren " Realm of Thieves is as creative, charming, and clever as its spectacular heroine, Brynla. Blending dragons, magic, banter and spice, Halle delivers the perfect romantasy read."— USA Today bestselling author Kate Golden "Clever. Thrilling. Seductive. An utterly hypnotic adventure that I can't wait to continue."— USA Today and internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker "Captivated on page one. This new world is the perfect, gritty place to escape. With heart-racing action and perfect tension, Halle has done it again!"— USA Today bestselling author LJ Andrews “ Realm of Thieves has everything a romantasy reader could want in a story: rival thieves in a black market dragon egg trade, an incredibly unique world of magic and mysteries, and a teleporting dog. Heart-pounding action is perfectly balanced with sizzling romance. I can't wait to continue this series!”—Demi Winters, author of The Ashen Series "Karina Halle's talent for weaving sensual tales filled with mythology, fantasy and razor-sharp wit continues to delight"—Lucy Eden, author of Love in Bloom “ Jurassic Park [meets] Fourth Wing”—Shelf Awareness "Halle’s first in a new action-packed, sexy thrill ride is perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros and Jennifer L. Armentrout."— Library Journal Karina Halle is a screenwriter, former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Realm of Thieves , River of Shadows & The Royals Next Door , as well as 80 other romances across all sub-genres, ranging from spicy rom coms to gothic horror and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever you're into, she's probably written an HEA for it. When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their not-haunted condo in Los Angeles. Chapter 1 Brynla "This is as far as I'll take you," the man says. His voice is as gnarled and rough as his hands that grip the oars. I stare at his pockmarked face for a moment, my stomach pinching with unease at the thought of this mission going even remotely wrong. "This wasn't what we agreed upon," I say. Beside me Lemi shifts on his haunches, casting a wary eye at the boatsman. "I said I'd take you to Fjallen Rock," the man says, and nods past me at the hazy shape of land shrouded by smoke in the distance, backlit by the orange glow of the Midland volcanoes. "That's it right there." I give him a tight smile. I don't want to start arguing with my only ride back to Esland and a stranger at that. "You know I meant past the wards." "You should have been more specific, then, girl," he says, eyes narrowing. "Because that's not what you said. There's no law against coming this far. There is a law against going through the wards and to the Midlands." "The last boatsman-" I begin. "Your last boatsman is no more," he says, flashing me a smile of missing teeth. "Otherwise you wouldn't be using me now, would ya?" His salt-crusted lips curl into a smirk. I live more in each second of the day than you'll ever live in your lifetime, I think as I try not to scowl at him. It's hard for me to rein in my temper, but tonight I don't have the luxury of letting it loose. I'm about to be dropped off at the most dangerous