Smoke and Scar - (Shattered Crown) by Gretchen Powell Fox

Book Synopsis

In this first epic romantasy in the Best of #BookTok Shattered Crown trilogy perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and The Serpent & the Wings of Night, brutal trials bring together a grieving fae warrior with shadow magic and a human knight out for revenge--only for their grudging alliance to spark into something deeper.

For centuries, humans and the magical races of Arcanis have been bitter enemies. Their only hope for lasting peace lies in the Arcane Crucible, a brutal series of trials that demands sacrifice every twenty-five years.

Elyria Lightbreaker, once a celebrated fae war hero, is a shadow of her former self. When the man she loved was lost to last year's Crucible, Elyria lost herself too--but now that his sister has stepped forward as a contender, she must rise to protect another person she loves from meeting the same fate. Which means entering the very nightmare she abhors and fighting like hell to get them both out alive.

Cedric Thorne, humankind's would-be champion, has lived only for vengeance. To him, Elyria is the enemy who stole everything: his family; his peace; his past, present, and future. But the Crucible doesn't care about grudges. To survive, Cedric and Elyria must fight side by side, even as their determination to win burns hotter than the desire they can't deny.

Dark magic. Betrayal. A slow-burn love that could ignite the world. In the Arcane Crucible, enemies could become lovers...or destroy each other before the trials are through.

About the Author

Gretchen Powell Fox grew up with her head in the clouds and her nose buried in books. Now, she crafts fantastical stories, along with the fiery heroes destined to change them for the better. Her creative process involves sleeping fitfully and consuming copious amounts of Sour Patch Kids. You can usually find her crying when she's happy, sad, mad, or excited; singing along to Taylor Swift; eating xiao long bao; or strumming her ukelele. Gretchen lives in northern Virginia with her husband and two wild, wonderful children. Visit her online at GretchenPowellFox.com and follow her @GretchenWritesBooks.