An oath betrayed. A centuries-long curse. A kingdom teetering on the edge of destruction. In a world of magic, Nicoleta is unremarkable, except for her cursed, stuttering tongue. No special powers, no renowned apprenticeship, just the terrible, stammering aftereffects of the Lilac Plague. Until she opens a gift from her mother—a ghostly blue vision. Instead of words of endearment, the vision reveals that Nicoleta's mother was a Guardian entrusted with a magical key—a key so powerful that those who rule will do anything to find it. The burden of protecting the key now falls to Nicoleta. In a race against the crown, she must find the treasure and the true heir, the only one who can stop the curse from being fulfilled. Impossible? Almost certainly. One false step spells disaster. But Nicoleta is no fool. Where those before her died trying, Nicoleta forges a new path, relying on her wits and some unlikely allies. Do you dare face the Lilac Plague? This coming of age, young adult fantasy adventure with mysterious magic, evil emperors, and a thread of romance will leave you amazed and clamoring for the next book. The Unchosen Book