The Cruelest Mercy by Mae, Natalie

In this sequel to The Kinder Poison--which People magazine proclaimed a "delicious high-stakes adventure"--the magical kingdom of Orkena is on the brink of war, and the only person who can save it is Zahru, the girl they once doomed to death.

After surviving the Crossing, Zahru has sworn off adventures. While Crown Prince Jet navigates the looming threat of war, she's content to simply figure out what the future holds for them. But they're dealt a devastating blow when prince Kasta returns with a shocking claim: he's the true winner of the Crossing and the rightful heir, and he bears the gods' mark as proof. Even more surprising--he's not the only one.

Somehow, Zahru possesses the very same mark, giving her equal right to the throne. The last thing she wants is to rule beside her would-be executioner, but she can't let Orkena fall into his merciless hands. So Zahru, Jet, and their allies must race against the clock to find a way to stop Kasta, because once he's crowned, there's no telling what horrors he'll unleash to win the war.

Zahru will do whatever it takes to keep Kasta from taking the throne...but to stop a villain, is she willing to become one herself?

Author: Natalie Mae
Publisher: Razorbill
Published: 06/15/2021
Pages: 384
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.50w x 1.40d
ISBN: 9781984835246
Age Range: 12-17

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 05/01/2021
School Library Journal 05/14/2021 pg. 1

About the Author
Natalie Mae is an ex-programmer, a dark chocolate enthusiast, and an author of young adult novels. She has also been a freelance editor and a Pitch Wars mentor, and she feels it notable to mention she once held a job where she had to feed spiders. When not writing, she can be found wandering the Colorado wilderness with her family. Find her on Twitter and Instagram @ByNatalieMae, and online at nataliemaebooks.com.