Roseanne A. Brown

Malik and Karina fall in love, but they both have plans to kill each other. (Ages 13 to 17)

--- Added from Google Books ---

The first in a gripping debut fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction--from debut author Roseanne A. Brown. Perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Renée Ahdieh, and Sabaa Tahir. For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts his younger sister, Nadia, as payment to enter the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal--kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia's freedom. But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition. When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a heart-pounding course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?

--- Added from Hardcover ---

For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom. But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition. When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death? The first in an fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction.

Step into a dynamic collection of stories that completely redefines what it means to be a geek. In this multi-genre anthology, some of today's most celebrated Black authors bring you into worlds where imagination knows no bounds. You will meet a girl who searches the skies for UFOs, a boy who might have finally stumbled upon his Prince Charming, an aspiring performer dreaming of the lead role in her school musical, and a misunderstood magician grappling with powers she cannot fully control. Whether you are drawn to contemporary romance, historical fiction, sweeping fantasy, or mind-bending sci-fi, these eclectic tales offer something for every kind of reader. Each story centers exclusively on Black characters, celebrating the many facets of Blackness and geekiness in both our real world and beautifully imagined universes. It is a life-affirming journey that challenges old stereotypes and invites you to embrace exactly who you are. Discover the magic, the awkwardness, and the undeniable coolness of being a geek.