Nothing can compare to the lavish trinkets of hungry suitors, and I’m not keen on ending their generosity. Boys in the kingdom think they can buy my love and title, and I let them believe it. But I prefer my daily suitors, and their gifts.Īmabons, ginnada, and dresses from the finest fabrics, all to woo the impressionable princess they believe I am. Ferrick is a fine enough man, if one dreams of settling down with a childhood acquaintance. For now, focus on earning the throne.” His deep brown eyes flicker to me, and he grins. But prove your strength to our people tonight, and I’ll know you’re capable of braving it. “The sea is a dangerous beast, Amora,” he says. Arida’s High Animancer, the King of Visidia, should always appear stern. The wrinkles also make him look stern, which I like. Years at sea have wrinkled his tanned olive skin, making him appear older than his forty years. “To the volcanos of Valuka? The jungles of Suntosu?” The weather is gentle enough that my words carry to the bow where Father stands, overlooking the water. It’s one of the six islands I’ve not yet seen but will one day rule. Through the morning haze sits an outline of cloud-shrouded mountains that shape the kingdom’s northernmost island, Mornute. Turquoise water stretches into the distance, stuffed full of blue tangs and schools of yellowtail snapper that flounder away from our ship and conceal themselves beneath thin layers of sea foam. Late summer’s heat has beaten the sea into submission it barely sways as I stand against the starboard ledge. And I will protect my kingdom.The ocean’s brine coats my tongue and I savor its grit. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she will need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected - or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: He will help her prove she's fit to rule, if she will help him reclaim his stolen magic.īut sailing the kingdom holds more wonder - and more peril - than Amora anticipated. When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy's dangerous soul magic. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it's never been a choice. Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choiceĪs princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer - the master of souls.

All stars and teeth