Two outcasts find themselves caught in a web of forbidden love; dangerous magic; and dark secrets that could change the world forever in the start of a riveting epic fantasy series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Shadowhunter Chronicles. “Everything I look for in fantasy.”—George R. R. Martin In the vibrant city-state of Castellane; the richest of nobles and the most debauched of criminals have one thing in common: the constant search for wealth; power; and the next hedonistic thrill. Kel is an orphan; stolen from the life he knew to become the Sword Catcher—the body double of a royal heir; Prince Conor Aurelian. He has been raised alongside the prince; trained in every aspect of combat and statecraft. He and Conor are as close as brothers; but Kel knows that his destiny is to die for Conor. No other future is possible. Lin Caster is one of the Ashkar; a small community whose members still possess magical abilities. By law; they must live behind walls within the city; but Lin; a physician; ventures out to tend to the sick and dying of Castellane. Despite her skills; she cannot heal her best friend without access to forbidden knowledge. After a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel together; they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King; the criminal ruler of Castellane’s underworld. He offers them each what they want most; but as they descend into his world of intrigue and shadow; they discover a conspiracy of corruption that reaches from the darkest gutters of Castellane to the highest tower of its palaces. As long-kept secrets begin to unravel; they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? Can forbidden love bring down a kingdom? And will their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?