In this epic sequel and conclusion to the Darkening duology, Vesper Vale, once savior to a city plagued by cursed storms, finds herself facing an even more sinister threat when an ominous light summoned by the Great King seizes control of the city.

"Queen Bitterblue of Monsea must head to the nation of Winterkeep after her envoys drown in suspicious circumstances, and somewhere there, Lovisa Cavenda waits and watches while tragedy with devastating political and personal ramification strikes"--

"Prince Oak must find a way to stop a war between Elfhame and the north"--

Karina lost everything after a violent coup left her without her kingdom or her throne. Now the most wanted person in Sonande, her only hope of reclaiming what is rightfully hers lies in a divine power hidden in the long-lost city of her ancestors. Meanwhile, the resurrection of Karina’s sister has spiraled the world into chaos, with disaster after disaster threatening the hard-won peace Malik has found as Farid’s apprentice. When they discover...

In an alternate America, Beatrice, now queen, and her sibilings Samatha and Jefferson struggle to untangle their personal lives and settle into their new political roles while the country hosts the world's monarchs at the League of Kings conference.

Sun Queen Rielle faces new trials as she tries to maintain the Gate and is tempted by the angel Corien, while centuries later, Eliana must choose whether to embrace the crown or reject it forever.

Mullan's daughter, Lonnie, sets out on an adventure to retrieve her mother's sword.

In an alternate America, Beatrice, Samantha, and Jefferson struggle to determine what they really want and how much it is worth when weighed against the crown.

Miri returns to Asland and calls upon all of her knowledge of rhetoric and other useful lessons learned at the Princess Academy when she and the other girls face strong opposition while working for a new, fair charter.