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About The Book

Game of Thrones meets Graceling in this thrilling debut that features four fierce princesses, “jewelry as weaponry, political double crosses, and surprise twists. What’s not to love?” (School Library Journal, starred review).

Rhea, Cadis, Suki, and Iren have lived together since they were children. They are called sisters. They are not. They are called equals. They are not. They are princesses…and they are enemies.

Not long ago, a brutal war ravaged their kingdoms, and Rhea’s father was the victor. As a gesture of peace, King Declan brought the daughters of his rivals to live under his protection—and his ever-watchful eye. For ten years the girls have trained together as diplomats and warriors, raised to accept their thrones and unite their kingdoms in peace.

But there is rarely peace among sisters. Sheltered Rhea was raised to rule everyone—including her “sisters”—but she’s cracking under pressure. The charismatic Cadis is desperately trying to redeem her people from their actions during the war. Suki guards deep family secrets that isolate her, and quiet Iren’s meekness is not what it seems.

All plans for peace are shattered when the palace is attacked. As their intended futures lie in ashes, Rhea, Cadis, Suki, and Iren must decide where their loyalties lie: to their nations, or to each other.

About The Author

K.D. Castner was once a farmer, once in love, and three times almost died in water. K.D. makes blackberry cider and dotes on a passel of grandkittens. A US citizen, she makes her home in Aberystwyth, Wales. Daughters of Ruin is her first novel.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (April 5, 2016)
  • Length: 320 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481436670
  • Grades: 9 and up
  • Ages: 14 - 99
  • Lexile ® HL820L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Raves and Reviews

*"Strong female characters, jewelry as weaponry,political double crosses, and surprise twists. What's not to love?"

– School Library Journal, starred review

"[A] read-alike for Game of Thrones, with an actual body count."

– Kirkus Reviews

"This should appeal to readers who like the novels of Sarah J. Maas and Kristin Cashore."

– Booklist

"With a fast-paced opening, the rich world-building that Castner unravels in this fantasy novel will have followers rooting for the girls."

– VOYA

"With a fast-paced opening, the rich world-building that Castner unravels in this fantasy novel will have followers rooting for the girls."

– VOYA

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