A brilliantly imaginative talent makes her exciting debut with this epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of Chinas twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic, in the tradition of Ken Lius Grace of Kings and N.K. Jemisins Inheritance Trilogy.
When Rin aced the Kejuthe Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth to learn at the Academiesit was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldnt believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rins guardians, who believed theyd finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free of the servitude and despair that had made up her daily existence. That she got into Sinegardthe most elite military school in Nikanwas even more surprising.
But surprises arent always good.