Shadowcaster: A Thrilling YA Fantasy of War, Dark Magic, and a Reluctant Heir's Fight (Shattered Realms, 2)

From New York Times bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima, this is a thrilling story of the unfathomable costs of war, the allure of dark magic, and two principled and conflicted characters drawn together despite everything they stand to lose.

Alyssa ana’Raisa, the reluctant princess heir to the Gray Wolf throne of the Fells, feels more comfortable striking with a sword than maneuvering at court. After a brush with death, Lyss goes on the offensive, meaning to end the war that has raged her whole life. If her gamble doesn’t pay off, she could lose her queendom before she even ascends to the throne.

Across enemy lines in Arden, young rising star Captain Halston Matelon is being sent on ever more dangerous assignments. Between the terrifying rumors of witches and wolfish warriors to the north and his cruel king at home, Hal is caught in an impossible game of life and death. 

Lyss and Hal’s intricately linked fates become inseparable when they fall under the shadow of a new enemy—a force that threatens to extinguish the last rays of hope in the Shattered Realms.

• Dual POV High Fantasy: Experience the war from both sides of the conflict: a reluctant northern princess who would rather wield a sword, and a principled southern captain trapped in a deadly game.
• Kingdoms at War: As the lifelong war between the Fells and Arden rages on, an ancient and powerful magic threatens to consume both realms.
• Forbidden Romance: Lyss and Hal are sworn enemies who stand to lose everything, but their intertwined fates might be the only hope for the Shattered Realms.
• Warrior Princess: Princess Alyssa was never meant for the throne, but after a brush with death, she goes on the offensive to save her queendom from a cruel enemy king and the allure of dark magic.

Cinda Williams Chima is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who writes fantasy for teens of all ages. In addition to the Runestone Saga, her critically acclaimed work includes the Heir Chronicles and the Seven Realms series. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina, and she is always working on her next novel. Find out more at cindachima.com.