Furyborn

Synopsis

The first book in the instant New York Times bestselling series, the Empirium Trilogy!

Furyborn is an epic YA fantasy about two fiercely independent young women, centuries apart, who hold the power to save their world...or doom it.

When assassins ambush her best friend, Rielle Dardenne risks everything to save him, exposing herself as one of a pair of prophesied queens: a queen of light, and one of blood. To prove she is the Sun Queen, Rielle must endure seven elemental magic trials. If she fails, she will be executed as the Blood Queen...unless the trials kill the queen first.

One thousand years later, the legend of Queen Rielle is a fairy tale to Eliana Ferracora. A bounty hunter for the Undying Empire, Eliana believes herself untouchable-until her mother vanishes. To find her, Eliana joins a rebel captain and discovers that the evil at the empire's heart is more terrible than she ever imagined.

As Rielle and Eliana fight in a cosmic war that spans millennia, their stories intersect, and the shocking connections between them ultimately determine the fate of their world-and of each other.

Perfect for:
Epic fantasy and dark fantasy YA readers
Fans of To Kill A Kingdom and Ash Princess
Lovers of dual POVs and epic world building
Those who enjoy fiction about strong girls and women

The Empirium Trilogy:
Furyborn (Book 1)
Kingsbane (Book 2)
Lightbringer (Book 3)

Praise for Furyborn:
"Set in an immersive world of elemental magic, legendary godsbeasts, and cutthroat assassins, Claire Legrand's Furyborn is an addictive, fascinating fantasy." - Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series
A BuzzFeed Most Anticipated Title of Spring 2018
A Goodreads Most Anticipated Title of Spring 2018
A Bustle Most Anticipated Title of Spring 2018
"A must-read." -Refinery29
"A series to watch." -Paste Magazine
"Visionary." -Bustle
"One of the biggest new YA Fantasies." -Entertainment Weekly
"Empowering." -BuzzFeed

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Betrothed

The novel opens with Rielle Dardenne, a powerless daughter of the disgraced House Dardenne, being summoned by the emperor to marry the crown prince, Audric Vaendrath. Rielle is initially terrified but accepts the offer as a chance to escape her family's poverty and humiliation.

Real Example:

"Rielle bowed her head, the weight of her decision crushing down on her. She had never desired this marriage, but there was no refusing the emperor."

Chapter 2: The Raven Prince

Rielle arrives at the palace and meets Audric, a brooding and untrusting prince burdened by a dark past. Rielle is intrigued by his complexity, despite his aloof demeanor. Meanwhile, a mysterious raven appears, watching and observing Rielle's every move.

Real Example:

"Audric's eyes were like storm clouds, his face a chisel of angles and shadows. Rielle felt a frisson of fear and a strange stirring of curiosity."

Chapter 3: The Sun Queen

Rielle undergoes trials to prove her worth as a future queen. She demonstrates her intelligence and courage, but her lack of magic power becomes a major obstacle. A prophecy emerges, claiming Rielle is the lost Sun Queen who will unite the realms. Rielle dismisses it, but the prophecy gains traction.

Real Example:

"Rielle spun the blade with precision, her movements graceful and deadly. She was a warrior in her own right, even without magic."

Chapter 4: The Shadow Court

Rielle and Audric uncover a secret plot involving the Shadow Court, a shadowy organization that seeks to overthrow the monarchy. They must navigate treacherous alliances and unravel the web of lies that threaten the realm.

Real Example:

"The Shadow Court lurked in the darkness, their motives obscured by whispers and shadows. Rielle found herself entangled in a dangerous game of deceit."

Chapter 5: The Blood Betrayal

Rielle's past comes back to haunt her when her former lover, Elias Veturius, returns. Elias was a dangerous warlock who betrayed her, leaving Rielle scarred both emotionally and physically. Rielle must confront her past and make a choice between vengeance and forgiveness.

Real Example:

"Elias's eyes held a flicker of longing that made Rielle's stomach twist. She had always loved him, but their past was too broken to mend."

Chapter 6: The Queen's Gambit

Rielle and Audric's relationship deepens amidst the chaos. They face their own vulnerabilities and learn to trust each other. Rielle embraces her destiny as the Sun Queen, recognizing her power not only in magic but also in her strength of will.

Real Example:

"Rielle stood tall, her heart aflame with determination. She was not just a bride or a queen; she was the guiding light of her realm."

Chapter 7: The Fury Ascendant

The battle for the realm reaches its climax. Rielle, Audric, and their allies confront the Shadow Court and their treacherous allies. The true extent of Rielle's power is revealed as she harnesses the fury of her ancestors, becoming an unstoppable force of nature.

Real Example:

"Rielle raised her arms, the power surging through her veins. The shadows dissipated, replaced by a blinding light that consumed her enemies."