The King Must Die

(Paperback)

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From the USA TODAY bestselling author of The Splinter in the Sky comes a pulse-pounding science fiction adventure following the daughter of rebel instigators and the heir of a power-drunk ruler who team up to save their empireor destroy it in the process.

Fens world is crumbling. Newearth, a once-promising planet gifted by the all-powerful alien Makers, now suffers from failed terraforming, leaving its people on the brink of collapse. Fen has spent her life working as a mercenary bodyguard for a cunning magistrate, entangled in the politics of the empire that shattered her family. But then her fathersher last remaining tether to hopeare executed by the ruthless Sovereign, who marks Fen for the same fate.

With nothing left to lose, Fen escapes with a single map and an old quarterstaff, embarking on a dangerous quest to seek out the last remnants of her parents rebellion. But the underground insurgents she finds may be even more dangerous than the Sovereigns army. At the center of it all stands Alekhai, the Sovereigns heira brutal, power-hungry force of destruction. Though he embodies everything Fen despises, his dangerous plans might be the empires last chance at survivalor the final push to its doom.

Perfect for fans of fast-paced dystopian adventures, intergalactic intrigue, and morally complex heroes, The King Must Die weaves an unforgettable story of rebellion, survival, and impossible choices. Will Fen save her worldor ensure its destruction

Reviews

"The Splinter in the Skyis an engrossing novel that captures, in impressive prose, the deep discomfort of living under occupation. Kemi Ashing-Giwas present-tense writing pulls readers deep into Enitans rich inner life, behind the mask she is forced to wear in order to survive." * Book Page *
The Vaalbarans' personal and political oppression of the Korikese calls to mind European conquests across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania A strong debut with soft SF elements offering major crossover appeal for fantasy aficionados.
Kirkus Reviews,Starred Review
A breathtaking space opera debut Delving into serious sociopolitical matters without ever losing the shine of hope, this tense adventure packs a punch.
Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
Highly recommended for fans of N. K. Jemisins Inheritance trilogy and Rebecca Roanhorses Between Earth and Sky series.
Booklist,Starred Review

Author Bio

Kemi Ashing-Giwa was born and raised in Southern California, where she grew up on a steady diet of sci-fi and fantasy. She has an undergraduate degree in integrative biology and astrophysics from Harvard University and is currently a PhD student in the Earth and planetary sciences department at Stanford University. She is the author of the novel The Splinter in the Sky and the forthcoming novella This World Is Not Yours.