Sharpest Court - (Thorn Season) by Kiera Azar (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Sequel to the instant #1 New York Times bestseller!

Shadow and Bone meets The Selection in this second book in the sharp, sexy, and twisty #1 New York Times bestselling romantasy trilogy about a teen girl in possession of an illegal magic, who joins her kingdom's harsh and glittering royal court only to find herself caught in a web of hidden intentions.

Alissa has defied the odds, escaping her kingdom--and King Erik's clutches--with the coveted Spellmade compass. Burdened by guilt over her old friend Garret's sacrifice, and struggling with her own growing power, she vows to destroy the compass before it can harm any more Wielders.

But when she lands in the Wielder-ruled kingdom of Ansora, she finds herself pulled again into Keil's orbit--and into the political landscape of a nation at war. Fearing Erik's reach, and his wrath, Alissa has no choice but to accept when the formidable Empress of Ansora offers her protection...at a very steep price.

As Alissa dons the vicious mask of a courtier once more, she and Keil delve secretly into the compass's sinister nature, and also delve tentatively into a relationship free from King Erik's hovering presence. But Erik is closer than they realize, and as Alissa grows even more uncertain of her place in Ansora, she must decide whether protecting the compass--and protecting Wielders everywhere--is worth losing all she holds dear. And whether trusting fellow Wielders might be the most dangerous move of all.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR THORN SEASON: "A gripping, gorgeously written debut that refuses to play it safe." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

PRAISE FOR THORN SEASON: "Using lush, polished prose, Azar balances high stakes with tight pacing to present steadily unfolding political intrigue and slow-burn romance. Across Alissa's impassioned first-person narration, the debut author deftly explores themes of suppressed identity, friendship, love, and loyalty in the face of violent persecution, making for a confident fantasy trilogy opener." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

PRAISE FOR THORN SEASON: "A tension-filled, twisty journey full of surprises. Azar's vivid, compelling writing and cleverly unfolding magic system make this a smart, sexy, and dark addition to the romantasy genre, ideal for readers hungry for complicated love triangle and lots of juicy drama." - Booklist

PRAISE FOR THORN SEASON: "Evocative writing laced with romance, rebellion and rose petals. Sexy, hilarious, and completely addictive. I need more!" - S. F. Williamson, New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of A Language of Dragons

PRAISE FOR THORN SEASON: "Sharply written and utterly gripping, Thorn Season ensnares with its tangled vines of political schemes, its breathtakingly alluring yet dangerous romances, and fiercely clever protagonist who is in turns charming and prickly like the titular thorn. Azar is one to watch in the YA fantasy landscape; readers won't want to put this one down." - Amelie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of The Scorpion and the Night Blossom

PRAISE FOR THORN SEASON: "A glittering, gorgeous book full of intrigue, intricate world building, and thrilling romance. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait for the sequel. Thorn Season is destined to be a romantasy sensation." - Katherine Webber, Sunday Times bestselling coauthor of Twin Crowns

PRAISE FOR THORN SEASON: "With its sizzling romance, dangerous court intrigue and twisting-turning plot, Thorn Season is a dazzling romantasy debut that had me desperate to turn the next page. I'm obsessed!" - Lauryn Hamilton Murray, author of Heir of Storms

PRAISE FOR THORN SEASON: "Dark, sexy, and completely addictive, romantasy lovers will devour Azar's Thorn Season. With epic betrayals, shocking twists, and delicious tension, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. An absolute thrill of a novel." - Rachel Griffin, New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches

PRAISE FOR THORN SEASON: "Thorn Season is a heady mix of propulsive plot, decadent court intrigue, deadly mystery and thrilling romance. I devoured it and cannot wait to see where Azar takes it next. Sure to be the romantasy debut of the year." - Rachel Greenlaw, Sunday Times-bestselling author of The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells and Compass and Blade