Monster, Monarch, Maiden - by Rae Carson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"Absolutely enthralling." --Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop

"Wildly original." --Michelle Jabès Corpora, New York Times bestselling author of His Face Is the Sun

A sweeping stand-alone fantasy from award-winning and bestselling master of the genre, Rae Carson. After she loses everything, Bria will do whatever it takes to survive--even pledge herself to an enigmatic young man on a perilous quest. Breathtaking adventure and slow-burn romance for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Ava Reid, Elizabeth Lim, and Rebecca Ross.

Bria Angarsold isn't supposed to be a hero. She's just a mountain girl with a near useless Gift, living an idyllic life with her sister and her parents, running the family's thriving inn. But then raiders come, and Bria's family is destroyed.

One of the last survivors of the raid, Bria doubts she'll live to see where the captors are taking her. Until the caravan crosses paths with a mysterious traveler and Bria's luck changes again.

Titus--a moody, secretive young man--has been chosen to complete a perilous quest. One that will make Bria question everything she's ever believed, from the magic that weaves through their world to the very gods themselves. As the journey unfolds, Bria realizes she has something--someone--new to believe in. She'd follow Titus to the Edge of the World, sworn oath or not, even if neither of them stands a chance at returning from it.

But Bria Angarsold is a survivor. She isn't useless, and neither is her Gift. And this is her story.

What to expect:

• Opposites Attract: Grumpy/Sunshine: Bria's optimistic and effusive personality is countered by Titus's broodiness.
• Slow Burn Romance: Thrown together by chance, but staying together out of necessity, Bria and Titus's mutual respect develops into love and longing as their bond deepens.
• Strong Heroine: Bria has an undeniable strength and wit that she relies on for survival.
• Trusty Sidekick: Rae Carson expertly turns the sidekick trope on its head, making the sidekick, not the chosen one, the hero of this story.
• Epic Quest: Bria and Titus traverse icy mountains, dark mines, searing deserts, and lush cities as they journey to the Edge of the World.

Review Quotes

Sparkling romantasy and high-stakes political intrigue. Scintillating, slow-burning romantic tension and steadily paced action drive a taut plot that expertly weaves themes of self-discovery into an arduous trek across a harsh but changing landscape. Well-timed pops of dry wit pepper a pulse-pounding narrative throughout this epic, sweeping journey. - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Every Rae Carson book reminds me what it is to be young and brave and standing on the edge of the world. She never disappoints." - Megan Whalen Turner, award-winning author of the Queen's Thief series

"I loved this book! Rae Carson has the ability to wrap you in a tale so thoroughly that the world disappears. Monster, Monarch, Maiden is absolutely enthralling and completely wonderful, filled with characters you'll love and a plot you can't resist!" - Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop

"With wildly original worldbuilding and characters that feel real enough to touch, this entrancing tale of Gifts, gods, a sharp-tongued shieldmaiden, and her mysterious, fox-eyed rescuer is as delightful as a hot drink on a cold night. A book to luxuriate in!" - Michelle Jabès Corpora, New York Times bestselling author of His Face Is the Sun