All's fair in love, war . . . and magic. When Tycho, the King's Courier, arrives in the remote village of Briarlock, he wants only to escape the demands of his new life in the royal court, where magic reigns for the first time in ages. The last thing he expects is to fall for a handsome blacksmith with a bruised heart. After years of toil under his father's cruel hand, Jax never dared to dream of a better life. When rumors of a rebellion reach their small forge, he begins to wonder if he'll even survive—until a magic-wielding young lord offers him an enticing escape. Jax's best friend, Callyn, doesn't trust this mysterious new friend. Magic once killed her parents, and she would do anything to protect Jax. But when another powerful man arrives from the capital, seeking her help, Callyn will be forced to question everything she thought she knew about magic—and herself. War is brewing. Love is blooming. And magic may doom—or save—them all . . .

Dangerous magic. Fateful choices. Broken promises. The King's Courier Tycho has made a treacherous bargain. Now beholden to the magical scraver who saved King Gray's life, one false move could end everything. Jax escaped his life in Briarlock and traveled with Tycho to Emberfall. But life outside his small village brings unexpected challenges\-\-and unlikely adversaries. After years of hating the royal family and their magic, Callyn never expected to be at the Queen's side, with magic on her fingertips. But at the royal court, she can't trust anyone\-\-including the man she thought she loved. Cast apart, Tycho, Jax, and Callyn must learn to wield the magic that is dividing their kingdom. As the magical scravers attack from the north and the king's rivals gain strength, time is running out. War is looming. Love is tested. And magic could be the only answer. . .