Looking for a sweeping summer read? Magic, romance, and slumbering gods clash in this riveting romantasy about a seafaring girl and a playboy prince who band together in a precarious journey. From the New York Times bestselling author of the Aurora Cycle and the Illuminae Files. Selly has salt water in her veins. So when her father leaves her high and dry in the port of Kirkpool, she has no intention of riding out the winter at home while he sails off to adventure. But any plans to follow him are dashed when a handsome stranger with tell-tale magician's marks on his arm commandeers her ship. He is Prince Leander of Alinor and he needs to cross the Crescent Sea without detection so he can complete a ritual on the sacred Isles of the Gods. Selly has no desire to escort a spoiled prince anywhere, and no time for his entitled demands or his good looks. But what starts as a leisure cruise will lead to acts of treason and sheer terror on the high seas, bringing two countries to the brink of war, two strangers closer than they ever thought possible and stirring two dangerous gods from centuries of slumber... ★ "Kaufman’s organically incorporated, intricate mythology never detracts from the action-packed plot or the complex relationships developing between the variously diverse characters.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review ★ "Readers who love a good fantasy with lots of action .... will be happy to devour this new series and will anxiously await the next volume." — School Library Journal, starred review "A thrilling series opener." — Kirkus Reviews " Sweeping adventure, sleeping gods, magic, and heartwarming love and friendship— a winner . " —Booklist " A swashbuckling adventure that boasts intricate worldbuilding, deeply realized internal mythology, and an array of diverse and intriguing characters . . . you'll tear through it in no time ." — Paste "Fantasy readers who favor fast-paced, intricate plots will find much to love here." — BookPage " Brimming with magic, mythology, and danger. . . The sea beckons and destiny calls —don’t miss this one!" – Alexandra Bracken, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Lore “A book that is both deliciously diabolical and full of heart. I was absolutely enthralled!!” —Stephanie Garber, bestselling author of Caraval “ I devoured it. When is the next book?” —Garth Nix, bestselling author of the Old Kingdom series " [A]n epic, propulsive adventure filled with characters that demand to be loved instantly. The lore of the gods is cool, the prince is delightfully full of himself--the twists and betrayals make for a breathless wild ride...I didn't know what to do besides keep turning the pages." – Kendare Blake #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Three Dark Crowns “ Gorgeous and gripping… an epic adventure of gods, magic and romance .” – C.S. Pacat, New York Times bestselling author of Dark Rise " A lush fantasy world so evocative and romantic that you will feel the salty spray of the ocean on your skin. . . I was immersed in this epic story, and you will be too. Deserves to be a classic." – Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Skyhunter “ With playful magic, high-stakes action, sweetly-simmering romance, and lovable (and hateable!) characters, Amie Kaufman continues to prove her talent as a master storyteller. I need the next book, stat!” – Lynette Noni, bestselling author of The Prison Healer Amie Kaufman is the New York Times bestselling co-author of the Illuminae Files and the Aurora Cycle, with Jay Kristoff, and the Starbound, Unearthed, and Other Side of the Sky series with Meagan Spooner. Raised in Australia and occasionally Ireland, Amie has degrees in history, literature, law and conflict resolution, and is currently undertaking a PhD in Creative Writing. She lives in Melbourne with her husband, daughter and rescue dog, and an extremely large personal library.You can learn more about Amie at amiekaufman.com, on social, or via her podcast. Part One Glitter and Grit SELLY Royal Hill Kirkpool, Alinor The woman selling magicians’ supplies is wandering around her little market stall like she’s lost her map. It’s as if every item she encounters, from the stacks of fat green candles to the bins of bright glass beads and stones, is somehow a new discovery. “You said half a dozen candles?” She pauses to look over her shoulder and needlessly tighten her apron strings. She’s dragging things out in the hope something extra will catch my eye, but although the grim, anxious buzz of the city has sunk into my bones, I am not going to lose my temper. I don’t have time. “Yes, please.” I try to make my gritted teeth look like a smile, though I can tell from the woman’s expression it doesn’t work. But honestly, at this rate I should ask her name and how she likes her tea, because the two of us are going to grow old together. If anything, she seems to slow down even more, lifting a newspaper a