Written by Petra Lord

https://cici.ayomoco.com/?book=228342375

This limited deluxe edition is printed with gorgeous stained edges, stunning foil on the case, and striking printed endpapers! A desperate girl at a cutthroat magical academy faces a choice between life and death: become an assassin for the enchanted elite or watch her decaying body draw its last breath. Anabelle Gage is trapped in a male body, and it’s rotting from the inside out. In Caimor, where the magical elite buy and swap designer bodies like clothes, Ana can’t afford to escape her tattered form. When she fails the entrance exam to the prestigious Paragon Academy, her last hope of earning a new body implodes. As the clock ticks down to her last breath, she’s forced to use her illusion magic to steal a healthy chassis—before her own kills her. But Ana is caught by none other than the headmaster of Paragon Academy, who poses a brutal ultimatum: face execution for her crime or become a mercenary at his command. Revolt brews in Caimor's smog-choked underworld, and the wealthy and powerful will stop at nothing to take down the rebels and the infamous dark witch at their helm, the Black Wraith. With no choice but to accept, Ana will steal, fight, and kill her way to salvation. But her survival depends on a dangerous band of an impulsive assassin, a brooding bombmaker, and an alluring exile who might just spell her ruin. As Ana is drawn into a tangled web of secrets, the line between villain and hero shatters—and Ana must decide which side is worth dying for. The story’s development reflects careful planning, with each event building upon what came before. This sense of progression gives the narrative direction and purpose, ensuring that readers remain invested throughout the book. The author demonstrates strong control over narrative structure, ensuring that each section of the book serves a clear purpose. Transitions between scenes are smooth, helping readers stay immersed in the story without confusion. The balance between descriptive passages and forward momentum keeps the reading experience engaging. This careful construction contributes to a sense of cohesion that enhances the overall quality of the book.