The fantasy debut sensation of 2025 WELCOME TO THE RAN EMPIRE. Where winged serpents fly through the skies. Giant leopards prowl the earth. And witches burn blue as they die. A prince born into violence Prince Ashoka is considered an outcast for opposing his father Emperor Adil Maurya’s brutal destruction of the Mayakari witches. A witch seeking revenge Shakti vows retribution for the murder of her aunt and annihilation of her village at the hands of the emperor, even though she is bound by the Mayakari’s pacifist code. A curse that will change the world In her anger Shakti casts a violent curse, the consequences of which will leave both her and Ashoka grappling for power. Do they take it for themselves and risk becoming what they most hate? Or do they risk losing power completely as the world around them is destroyed? Drawing on inspiration from the Mauryan Empire of Ancient India, debut author Maithree Wijesekara plunges readers into the first amazing book of the Obsidian Throne trilogy. The Obsidian Throne trilogy, starting with this top-notch historical fiction novel, promises a series of stories filled with mythical creatures and a harsh environment. The prince and the witch's struggle for power is a captivating tale that leaves readers on the edge of their seats.For fans of V. E. Schwab (Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil), and Jaysea Lynn (For whom the belle tolls).HarperCollins 2025
