Xanthe Elbrick

In a kingdom called the Dells, Fire is the last human-shaped monster, with unimaginable beauty and the ability to control the minds of those around her, but even with these gifts she cannot escape the strife that overcomes her world.

Eighteen-year-old Bitterblue, queen of Monsea, realizes her heavy responsibility and the futility of relying on advisors who surround her with lies as she tries to help her people to heal from the thirty-five-year spell cast by her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities.

Queen Bitterblue of Monsea has been doing the hard work of rebuilding her kingdom for nearly five years when she first learns about the magical land to east where people and animals perform feats greater than even the most impressive Grace. When her envoy's ships drown, Bitterblue takes off on a diplomatic mission with her most trusted advisors, while politicians in Monsea consider what could happen if the Queen were to disappear as well.