FATELESS

After unknowingly unleashing an ancient force, a teen joins forces with unlikely allies as they race to stop the destruction it leaves in its wake.

Seventeen-year-old Sparrow, who was raised by the members of the Thieves Guild, wants nothing more than to make the Guildmaster proud. She sees her chance when the Circle—a secretive group that controls the guild—assigns her to retrieve an artifact from a long-forgotten ruined underground city. During her journey, she meets Halek the Fatechaser and Raithe, an assassin. Though Raithe was sent to stop Sparrow, he becomes an unexpected ally—and maybe something more. Sparrow soon learns that she played a key role in the return of a Deathless King, inadvertently putting everyone she loves in danger. Although the Deathless Kings “once ruled the world,” nowadays “the stories left behind were mostly used to scare naughty children.” Along with her companions, Sparrow crosses the deadly Dust Sea in search of help to stop further devastation. But the Deathless King is hunting them because Sparrow is a Fateless, someone who poses a threat because she can defy curses. Kagawa’s worldbuilding is exceptional, introducing a realm filled with unique fantasy-world races, cultures, and religions. This novel, which is perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir, features layered, distinctly drawn characters who have humorous and heartfelt interactions. The romance is subtle, allowing the main plot to take center stage.

A richly imagined trilogy opener with high-stakes adventure.