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“Vita’s rage overflowed until she was prepared to drown in it, and she knew that she would never again dam this anger to please another.”
After nine years as the people’s beloved princess in the sun-soaked Kingdom of Carca, Vita witnesses the execution of her mother by her father’s hand. Forced into exile, Vita fades into obscurity with her only friends—the crows that visit her window.
Eleven years later, Vita is given a choice: marry an enemy general, granting him legitimacy to take the throne, or die as the forgotten princess. With time running out, Vita meets Soline, an intriguing lady-in-waiting who introduces her to the powerful-but-unstable magic of alchemy.
If Vita and Soline can learn to control it—and the undeniable spark between them—they could burn the world of men to the ground.
“A lush tribute to female rage, both visceral and epic, with a tender, poignant sapphic romance at its core. This book smolders—in every sense of the word.” —Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning
“A fiery tale of vengeance, magic, and love that will keep readers spellbound. Vita’s journey from forgotten princess to a force of reckoning is absolutely thrilling. There's nothing I love more than a cunning and vengeful sapphic main character stepping into her power, and Maren Chase delivers. This novel weaves a mesmerizing tale of alchemy, slow-burn romance, and a heroine’s fight for justice. I can’t wait to see all of the Vita and Soline fan art that is sure to come from this story.” —A.K. Mulford, bestselling author of The Five Crowns of Okrith series
“Crueler Mercies immerses readers in the depths of female strength, love, and rage. I loved going on Vita’s journey, and I know countless other readers will feel the same.” —Ryan Graudin, author of The Enchanted Lies of Céleste Artois
“A fearsome reimagining of the girl locked in the tower, Chase’s tale vibrates like a thousand crows taking flight. At turns violent and tender, tragic and uplifting, it will break your heart and then bring you roaring to your feet with vengeful satisfaction. Naomi Novik fans who want it queerer and angrier will love this new foray into sapphic fantasy.” —Bethany Jacobs, author of These Burning Stars
“A slow-burning alchemy of forbidden sapphic romance and heartrending vengeance that pits charm, cleverness, and compassion against man’s brutality. Haunting and sharp edged.” —Susan J. Morris, author of Strange Beasts