Descendant of the Crane

Age range 12+

As seen on:

• A Publishers Lunch Spring/Summer 2019 YA Buzz Book
• Seventeen Magazine 'The 35 Best YA Books of 2019 so Far'
• Popsugar 'The 20 Best New Books to Read in April'
• Epic Reads 'April is Bringing Us Three of the Year's New Must-Read Fantasy Novels'
• B&N Teen's '20 of Our Most Anticipated YA Debuts of 2019'
• Goodreads 'Spring's Most Epic YA Books'
• Buzzfeed '24 YA Books to Devour During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month'

Tyrants cut out hearts. Rulers sacrifice their own.

Princess Hesina of Yan has always been eager to shirk the responsibilities of the crown, but when her beloved father is murdered, she's thrust into power, suddenly the queen of an unstable kingdom. Determined to find her father's killer, Hesina does something desperate: she enlists the aid of a soothsayer -- a treasonous act, punishable by death...because in Yan, magic was outlawed centuries ago.

Using the information illicitly provided by the sooth, and uncertain if she can trust even her family, Hesina turns to Akira -- a brilliant investigator who's also a convicted criminal with secrets of his own. With the future of her kingdom at stake, can Hesina find justice for her father? Or will the cost be too high?

'Deep world-building, magical family secrets, and intricate palace politics -- Descendant of the Crane soars from page one. Its twists and treacheries kept me guessing until the very end.' -- Rachel Hartman, New York Times bestselling author of Seraphina

'Hesina is a heroine for the ages -- brilliant, determined, and fierce. It is impossible not to root for her.' --Laura Sebastian, New York Times bestselling author of Ash Princess

'[A] fast-moving debut...He combines a highly detailed Asian-inspired culture that incorporates Chinese names and traditions, aspects of top-notch thrillers, and complex characters to create a series opener that should appeal to teens and adults alike.' -- Publishers Weekly

'A fully realized history helps make this adventure, rooted in Chinese folklore, feel epic, while Hesina will appeal to contemporary readers.' -- Booklist

'The plot twists are truly dizzying at times, and everyone, from villain to ally, has an intriguing backstory... With complex world-building and character development, readers tired of cookie-cutter stories will find some surprise twists here.' -- Kirkus Reviews

'A compelling, immersive book. Young adults will find a story and a world that is a joy to explore in this highly original mystery.' -- Foreword, starred review