"In this sequel to her debut novel, Bloodleaf (2019), Smith creates a dark and riveting tale....At its heart, this is a story of facing fears and finding the strength to fight for what you want. At times gory, at times heart-wrenching, and always captivating, Smith’s latest is a thrilling and surprising sequel that will leave readers eager for the final installment. Recommend the Bloodleaf trilogy to fans of the Throne of Glass series looking for their next read." —Booklist   "Smith has created a world full of intricate magical properties and rules where nothing is as it seems and the game is constantly changing....[Readers will] be pulled to the edge of their seats....abruptly awesome. A worthy addition to any fantasy collection."—School Library Journal  Praise for BLOODLEAF**:   "Bloodleaf has a good chance of becoming your next YA obsession.” —Entertainment Weekly    "The writing is strong and engaging...romance, danger, and magic make for a winning combination that will keep readers glued to the pages long after bedtime. A lovely, dark, and twisted fantasy for those of who have never quite outgrown fairy tales."—School Library Journal   "Half-fantasy and half-murder mystery, this novel is a riveting read; Smith delicately plants seemingly insignificant details that become crucial later, and the plot is rife with surprising twists. The magic system is intricate and unique, and the headstrong main character proves again and again that she can make sacrifices to save her loved ones. In addition to the compelling story, deeper themes of religious corruption and variations on motherly love run through the book; the different interpretations of the religious systems between the two countries are particularly thought-provoking. This novel is a well-developed page-turner that will have fans of both the fantasy and mystery genres rushing to finish." —*The Bulletin of the *Center for Children's Books   "Debut author Smith explores the power of sacrifice in this darkly romantic reimagining of the Brothers Grimm’s “The Goose Girl.” Smith’s rich mythology and affecting love story...and subtly drawn characters illustrate the story’s interest in the difference between piety and goodness." —Publishers Weekly   "A multifaceted scheme, mistaken identity, and a simmering romance will keep readers riveted and dying to know how it all unfolds…. An excellent choice for fans of smart, independent female leads, intriguing fantasy worlds, and a race against the clock to defeat evil." —Booklist   "The plot is breathlessly fast, complete with creepy spirits, a satisfying romance, and complex but clear political twists and turns....Political, romantic, magical, timely, yet also traditionally appealing." **—Kirkus   “Enchanting, visceral, and twisty, BLOODLEAF is a phantasmagorical wonder that will keep you guessing until the very last page.” —Laura Sebastian, New York Times bestselling author of Ash Princess     “Eerie, immersive, and fascinating, BLOODLEAF feels like a classic in the making. Readers will be pulled deep into Aurelia's world, and lose sleep alongside her as the deadly mysteries close in.” —Sarah Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Everless     “Smith weaves together mystery, adventure and a reimagined fairy tale in this bewitching debut. An irresistible, spellbinding story.” &md

Autorentext
Crystal Smith is a writer, photographer, and artist who developed an early love of storytelling in a family of voracious readers. She resides in Utah with her high school sweetheart husband and two lively sons. When she isn't writing or creating, she can be found re-watching Jane Eyre or reading ghost stories with all the lights on. @crysrensmith.

Klappentext

Brimming with deliciously mysterious magic, political intrigue, and a passionate heroine who will do anything to save the ones she loves-this highly anticipated sequel to Bloodleaf, praised as “enchanting, visceral, and twisty” by Laura Sebastian, won't disappoint.

Princess Aurelia's life is upended when the kingdom she thought she saved falls to ruin, a loved one is tragically killed in a shipwreck, and her home country, fueled by a dark political conspiracy, turns against her. With no place left to call her own, Aurelia returns to Greythorne Manor-her best friend's family mansion-only to find that Greythorne has sinister secrets of its own. With enemies closing in on all sides, Aurelia is caught in a mad fight to protect the only people she has left-her family. In her darkest moments, when all seems grim, will Aurelia find a spark of hope and a second chance at a love she thought long lost?

• Forbidden Magic: Aurelia is a blood witch, a dangerous secret that could get her killed but might be the only power strong enough to protect her brother, the king.
• Gothic Atmosphere: The ancient halls of Greythorne Manor promise a safe haven but hide sinister secrets and dangers of their own.
• Kingdoms at War: With enemies closing in and her country turned against her, Aurelia is caught in a desperate fight for her family and her future.
• Lost Love Returns: Just when all hope seems lost, a powerful love Aurelia believed was gone forever reappears, changing everything.

Leseprobe

1

My opponent was a merchant of middle age by the name of Brom Baltus who had stopped at the Quiet Canary Tavern hoping to acquire some female company and play a couple of rounds of Betwixt and Between before hauling his goods—a cartload of apples, cheeses, and fine wines—the final stretch of his route. It was to his great misfortune that he sat down at the card table with me; when I was done with him, he’d be lucky to leave with enough coin left to hitch a ride home to his unhappy wife, let alone purchase an hour or two of a Canary girl’s precious time. I’d have hated to rob them of good business, but from the smell of him, none of them were likely to mind.
      Brom leaned forward to lay down his second-to-last play. His smug grin revealed a mouthful of tobacco-stained teeth. “Sad Tom,” he said, pushing the card toward me. “Time to up your wager, miss, or call the game.”
      I frowned at the card and its depiction of a despondent, droopy-eyed lad clutching a withered four-petaled daisy. It was a surprisingly savvy move for a man who had accidentally singed his mustache trying to light his pipe not five minutes earlier. I’d already put down all the collateral I’d planned on staking—twelve gold crowns earned over two months of careful card-game conquests—and had little left with which to improve the pot. If I failed to provide Sad Tom with something to cheer him up, I’d lose all of it, and the cart of goods besides.
      I hesitated only a moment before reaching into my pocket and retrieving the last thing of value left to my name: a fine white-gold ring set with an exquisite clear-cut stone. I hadn’t worn it for months, but somehow I could not bring myself to lay it away in a jewelry box. Even now, as I placed it in the center of the table and the stone caught the candlelight and bounced it back in a thousand rainbow shards, I felt a keen sense of trepidation at the possibility of its loss. But I had plans to keep, costly plans, and Brom’s goods would go a long way toward covering the costs.
      “Finest Achlevan jewel crafting,” I sai…