The Thornbound Crown

When the roots of Thornwick begin whispering the name of a sleeping god, Maren Ashvale's quiet life as the border's healer comes to an end. For years she has tended wounds and held the peace alongside her brother Soren Blackthorn, the watchful Border Lords, and her closest friend Brenna, but the Unseelie now cross the threshold in greater numbers. A shadow-dragon hunts the high passes, Vreth the Unseelie Envoy arrives bearing terms that taste of honey and ruin, and Tax Captain Aldous has already begun counting the dead. Summoned to the court of Queen Imara Blackhollow, Maren discovers the thornbound crown , an artifact older than the Blackhollow line, woven from living roots that drink the blood of those who dare to wear it. Cassian Blackhollow, Lord Darian Blackhollow, and Lady Verva each covet it for their own ends, while Lira Vance and the Gate Captain stand ready to enforce whatever verdict the throne demands. Mira's child is caught in the coming storm, and Kaelin Vaire's blade may be all that stands between Maren and the hunters. To claim the crown is to become the thing she has always feared. To refuse is to leave the border , and the people she loves , to the patient, thorn-wrapped dark of Vael the Sleeping God. Maren must choose before the roots choose for her.