From the New York Times bestselling author of SIX CRIMSON CRANES comes a tale of two sisters—one as beautiful as the other is monstrous—who must fight to save each other when a betrothal contest gone wrong unleashes an evil that could sever their bond forever. One sister must fall for the other to rise. Channi was not born a monster. But when her own father offers her in sacrifice to the Demon Witch; she is forever changed. Cursed with a serpent’s face; Channi is the exact opposite of her beautiful sister; Vanna—the only person in the village who looks at Channi and doesn’t see a monster. The only person she loves and trusts. Now seventeen; Vanna is to be married off in a vulgar contest that will enrich the coffers of the village leaders. Only Channi; who’s had to rely on her strength and cunning all these years; can defend her sister against the cruelest of the suitors. But in doing so; she becomes the target of his wrath—launching a grisly battle royale; a quest over land and sea; a romance between sworn enemies; and a choice that will strain Channi’s heart to its breaking point. Weaving together elements of The Selection and Ember in the Ashes with classic tales like Beauty and the Beast; Helen of Troy; and Asian folklore; Elizabeth Lim is at the absolute top of her game in this thrilling yet heart-wrenching fantasy that explores the dark side of beauty and the deepest bonds of sisterhood.