"A rising star of fantasy fiction. " The Times "Richly imagined yet sharply topical. You'll fall in love with Zhi. " L. A. Weatherly, author of the Angel trilogy "Zoe Marriott has created something truly special. " Lauren James, author of The Loneliest Girl in the Universe Zhilan was assigned female at birth. Despite a gift for illusions, they know they are destined to live out their life within the confines of the women's quarter. But when civil war sets the empire aflame, Zhilan is determined save their disabled father from the battlefield. By taking his place. Surviving brutal army training as a boy - Zhi - is only the first challenge. In the glittering court of the Land of Dragons, love and betrayal are two sides of the same smile, and soon the fate of a nation rests on Zhi's shoulders. But to win, they must decide where their heart truly belongs.