The book features explicit sexual content, on-page consent, and discussions of birth control, which is rare for traditional YA fantasy.
In a world of elemental magic, Rielle exposes her rare ability to command all seven elements while saving a friend. To prove she is the prophesied "Sun Queen" and not the "Blood Queen," she must survive seven brutal trials.
While often categorized as Young Adult (YA), many reviewers suggest it fits better as due to its mature content.
“I thought it read like an adult high fantasy... I loved how morally grey and ambiguous everyone was.” Goodreads · 8 years ago
The book is frequently described as a "page-turner" once it gains momentum, though some readers found the first 30–40% slow due to heavy world-building.
One thousand years later, Rielle is a myth. Eliana is a ruthless bounty hunter for the Undying Empire. When her mother vanishes, she joins a rebel captain named Simon and discovers she is part of a war she never believed existed. A Darker Shade of Fantasy