The Burning Sky

Magic, romance, and intrigue combine in this extraordinary novel—the first in the Elemental Trilogy—for fans of Cinda Williams Chima and Kristin Cashore. Publishers Weekly called it "a wonderfully satisfying magical saga" in a starred review, and Kirkus Reviews said it "bids fair to be the next big epic fantasy success." Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of the Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training. Guided by his mother's visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life. Elemental Magic: Iolanthe Seabourne can command fire and water, but to fulfill her destiny, she must master the one element that eludes her: air. Girl Disguised as a Boy: To hide from the Bane’s agents, Iolanthe must pose as Archer Fairfax, a male student at the elite Eton College, fooling a thousand boys and the prince sworn to protect her. A Doomed Prince: Bound by his mother’s visions, Prince Titus knows his destiny is to prepare Iolanthe for her battle—and that he is not fated to survive the quest. Reluctant Allies: He sees her as a means to an end; she is wary of his motives. But when Titus makes the mistake of falling for the girl he must protect, their entire mission is thrown into jeopardy.