Sabaa Tahir’s novels are a reminder of what it means to be human.
The Empire comes first—more important than your desires, friendship, and love. Any rebellion is punished by death. If you don’t remain loyal to the Emperor, you and your family will be executed. That is the merciless world where Laia lives.
Her older brother was arrested for treason, and to save him she infiltrates the Imperial Military Academy.
Elias is one of the best soldiers of the academy, but secretly he dreams of another life—of freedom. When Laia’s and Elias’s paths cross, they realize their fates are bound together. The choice they make will change the future of the entire Empire. War is coming to the very borders of the Empire. War is about to begin inside it.
Helene Aquila— the Bloody Sparrow—desperately tries to save her sister, and along with her everyone else. But the Emperor becomes more and more ruthless. Laia, who is also trying to prevent catastrophe, will have to endure betrayal, while Elias must sacrifice a great deal in order to become a Soul Catcher.