When Lorcen Caspon, a ruthless guildmaster, destroys her family in his relentless hunt for a rare halfblood, the girl loses everything. Rising from the ashes of her former life, she becomes the Nightingale-a deadly pawn in Caspon's merciless quest for power over the guilds of Caesia. Bound by a cruel enchantment, the Nightingale is trapped in a brutal battle against forced obedience. Defying Caspon brings nothing but pain, but she refuses to submit to his sadistic whims. The lives she's forced to take only stoke her desire for revenge. Meanwhile, General Astin Talros has set his sights on capturing one of Caesia's most infamous killers, unknowingly hunting a halfblood-one of Caesia's most feared creatures. But the Nightingale isn't alone; with an unexpected ally by her side, she's determined to break free from Caspon's control and seek vengeance against those who have wronged her.

"In a world where most humans have a superstitious fear of the elf-like, tree-dwelling anthelai, a half-anthela girl, a rarity considered a demon by the human population, survives the brutal destruction of her home only to be enslaved by the rapacious human Guildmaster Lorcen Caspon. As the mysterious assassin known as the Nightingale, she spreads death and terror until faced by a determined opponent of equal skill: Astin Talros, a general in service to the king. Her struggle to escape Caspon and avenge her family's death becomes a race against her relentless pursuit by Talros, who, unaware that she acts under compulsion, is sworn to destroy her. Effectively melding briskly-paced action with the internal struggles of both a traumatized young outcast forced into horrific deeds and the wily but honorable Talros. Debut author Mickelsen brings fresh twists and emotional depth to her tightly-written, compelling tale of mercantile politics, interracial conflict, and difficult choices." FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

For fans of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, and Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent.

NOTE: This novel contains dark themes and violence that may not be appropriate for everyone. For content warnings, visit: https://melissamickelsen.wordpress.com/content-warnings/