'A raucous, indulgent delight.' - Alix E. Harrow

'The most unique, haunting, magical, treacherous, romantic, combative novel I've read in a long time.' - Tamora Pierce

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Onna can write the parameters of a spell faster than any of the young men in her village. So when the arcane academy decides it's untoward to teach a woman magic she sets sail for the city-state of Hexos in search of more enlightened attitudes.

Tsira has never felt at home within her troll clan. Striking out alone to find work in a human city, she stumbles on a half-dead soldier in the snow and the two form an unexpected bond.

But a string of mysterious murders draws them both into a deadly conspiracy and now Onna and Tsira must uncover who is targeting trolls before their homeland is torn apart...

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'A brilliant and terrifically fun book. I could have happily spent twice as long with Onna and Tsira in their compelling world and still wanted more. There's adventure and magic and murder, oh - and did I mention how much fun you'll have reading this?' - Kat Howard

'What a marvelous debut! I want to climb inside C.M. Waggoner's world of powerful trolls, cheeky wizards, and mathematical magic and make myself at home. She seamlessly weaves politics, love, and magic into a novel that challenges everything we know about fantasy-and comes out victorious.' Chloe Neill

'Peopled with unforgettable characters whose changing relationships form the beating heart of this fast-paced, beautifully written story.' - Juliet Marillier