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If he has the ability to wield magical powers, everyone will rejoice – especially the girl who loves him. But what happens when they realize she has the gift?

Éadha (A-ya) has grown up in a deeply flawed society. In Domhain, power is drawn by elites from the life force of other, “lesser” people called Fodder. Those with this innate ability, the Channellers, have reshaped society to ensure their own high status and obscure the exploitative nature of their powers. Éadha, a lowly servant girl, is in love with her close childhood friend Ionáin, the son of the keep’s ruling family. But the fate of his family’s position rests on whether Ionáin has inherited a Channeller’s ability – everyone is tense, waiting to see the result of the assessment on his 17th birthday.

However, in a twist of fate, Éadha discovers that she herself contains this power … and Ionáin doesn’t. It’s unheard of – and dangerous – for a servant, especially a woman, to be a Channeller.

Instead, Éadha tricks everyone into believing her to be gifted only as a Keeper, a Channeller’s assistant who is less powerful but can manipulate the threads of power from Fodder. She is allowed to attend the Channeller training academy alongside Ionáin, who is – unbeknownst to him – being empowered by Éadha’s own gift. Here, she is caught up in a whirlwind of patriarchy and heartache, torn between her lifelong devotion to Ionáin and her undeniable attraction to the enigmatic Gry. She also learns a devastating lesson: the human cost of the Channellers’ power – and the lengths they will go to keep it.

"A thrilling fantasy about power and patriarchy" - The Bookseller, featured as Book of the Month

"Riveting, romantic and thought-provoking" - The Guardian

The first book in a searing new romantasy trilogy, perfect for fans of A LANGUAGE OF DRAGONS and THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE.

"A complex web of magic, feminism, sexual desire, Irish folklore and, of course, dragons – this will leave fans desperate for the next in the trilogy." - Daily Mail

© Clíodhna O'Sullivan 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026