Once a King

“With poignant prose and intricate world building, Once a King casts its spell from the very first pages. Fly—don’t walk—to sweep up this soaring tale.”—Pintip Dunn, New York Times bestselling author

Aodren: A lonely, young king, searching for a way to dismantle his father’s dark legacy.
Lirra: A girl with the power to control the wind, torn between duty and following her dreams.

For twenty years, Channelers—women with a magical ability—have been persecuted in Malam by those without magic. Now King Aodren wants to end the bloody divide and unite his kingdom. But decades of hatred can’t be overcome by issuing decrees, and rumors of a deadly Channeler-made substance are only fueling people’s fears.

Lirra has every reason to distrust Aodren. Yet when he asks for help to discover the truth behind the rumors, she can’t say no. With Lirra by his side, Aodren sees a way forward for his people. But can he rewrite the mistakes of the past before his enemies destroy the world he’s working so hard to rebuild? Erin Summerill returns with a high-stakes fantasy full of romance, magic, and revenge—perfect for fans of Susan Dennard and C. J. Redwine.

“Clever banter, cloak-and-dagger derring-do, and tentative, sweet romance . . . Series fans and new readers will find much to love.”—Publishers Weekly

“Brain candy for fans of Summerill’s worldbuilding.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Timely . . . A satisfying mixture of political machination, mystery, magic, and romance, especially for fans of previous volumes.”—School Library Journal

“Lirra is a fierce heroine . . . A lighter fantasy than Graceling, but for a similar audience.”—Booklist