The Embered Pact

The Embered Pact by Vera Blackthorne is an epic fantasy rich in political intrigue, dangerous magic, and forbidden alliances—perfect for readers who devour Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, and Samantha Shannon. Set between two immortal realms—the radiant Light Court and the shadowed Dark Court—this spellbinding novel explores the fragile balance between light and dark, love and betrayal, destiny and defiance. When light corrupts, only shadow can reveal the truth. Lyralei Dawnstrider has spent her life in the gilded cage of the Light Court, where every sunrise is eternal and every secret burns. Her father, Aurelius, was once one of the Queen's most trusted scholars—until he was accused of treason and executed under the blazing dawn. Now Lyralei stands accused by bloodline, forced into a dangerous bargain: she must cross into the forbidden Dark Court as the Queen's envoy, to renew the ancient covenant between light and shadow… or die trying. But when Lyralei discovers her father's hidden research, she learns that the covenant isn't a treaty of peace—it's a prison, and something ancient stirs beyond its seals. Betrayed by her own court and hunted by those sworn to purity, Lyralei must uncover the truth before both realms fall to a power older than time itself. In the Dark Court, she encounters Theron Nightwhisper, a mysterious warrior bound by shadow and honor. Once enemies by birthright, they find themselves entangled in a dangerous alliance where trust is a weapon—and desire could mean ruin. Together, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens not only their two courts, but the fabric of reality itself. As Lyralei's sight deepens—revealing the lies woven into the very light around her—she must decide whether to uphold the law of her people or ignite a rebellion that could reshape the immortal realms forever. The Embered Pact is a mesmerizing blend of high fantasy, romance, and myth, filled with intricate worldbuilding, morally complex characters, and breathtaking twists. Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, and The Serpent and the Wings of Night will be captivated by Vera Blackthorne's lush prose and cinematic storytelling. This is a world where: Light is not always good, and shadow not always evil. Magic burns brighter than truth—and truth can destroy. Love defies kingdoms, crowns, and ancient pacts. With the intensity of The Bridge Kingdom and the intrigue of The Cruel Prince, The Embered Pact brings readers into a universe where every alliance is fragile, every promise is dangerous, and every heart hides its own kind of power. Perfect for readers who love: Strong, complex heroines with forbidden magic Gripping enemies-to-allies tension Court politics, magical bargains, and deadly secrets Star-crossed romance and destiny intertwined Worlds where beauty and danger walk hand in hand Step into a realm where dawn and dusk wage an eternal war—and only those who dare to walk between them can change the fate of both. The Embered Pact is the first book in Vera Blackthorne's "Shadow and Covenant" series, a sweeping saga of rebellion, magic, and the dangerous seduction of truth. For fans of Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, and Carissa Broadbent—this is where light ends, and the true story begins.