Perfect for fans of S. F. Williamson, Lynette Noni and Samantha Shannon, this is the first book in a stunningly written feminist romantasy trilogy - with dragons - by an Irish debut author.

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\"A thrilling fantasy about power and patriarchy\" - The Bookseller's Book of the Month

If he has the ability to wield magical powers, everyone will rejoice - especially the girl who loves him. But what happens when they realize she has the gift?

adha (A-ya) has grown up in a deeply flawed society. In Domhain, power is drawn by elites from the life force of other, \"lesser\" people called Fodder. Those with this innate ability, the Channellers, have reshaped society to ensure their own high status and obscure the exploitative nature of their powers. adha, a lowly servant girl, is in love with her close childhood friend Ionain, the son of the keep's ruling family. But the fate of his family's position rests on whether Ionain has inherited a Channeller's ability - everyone is tense, waiting to see the result of the assessment on his 17th birthday.

However, in a twist of fate, adha discovers that she herself contains this power ... and Ionain doesn't. It's unheard of - and dangerous - for a servant, especially a woman, to be a Channeller.

Instead, adha tricks everyone into believing her to be gifted only as a Keeper, a Channeller's assistant who is less powerful but can manipulate the threads of power from Fodder. She is allowed to attend the Channeller training academy alongside Ionain, who is - unbeknownst to him - being empowered by adha's own gift. Here, she is caught up in a whirlwind of patriarchy and heartache, torn between her lifelong devotion to Ionain and her undeniable attraction to the enigmatic Gry. She also learns a devastating lesson- the human cost of the Channellers' power - and the lengths they will go to keep it.