Description

When a young sorceress is exiled to teach magic to a clan of assassins, she will find that secrets can be even deadlier than swords. Teen Vogue proclaimed, "It's impossible not to fall deep into the dark yet alluring world of sorcery and secret assassins." A dangerous and eerie fantasy about murder, shocking discoveries, and fiery star-crossed romance that readers of Cinda Williams Chima and Robin LaFevers won't be able to put down.

Ileni is losing her magic. And that means she's losing everything: her position as the rising star of her people, her purpose in life, and even the young man she loves. Sent to the assassins' cave hidden deep within the mountains, she expects no one will ever hear from her again. The last two sorcerers sent died within weeks of each other. Accidents? Or something more sinister? As Ileni navigates the dangers—both natural and human—of the caves, she'll discover secrets that have been kept for decades. And she'll find an ally in Sorin, the deadly young man who could be the assassins' next leader. With Sorin determined to protect her, sparks—magical and romantic—will fly. But will even he understand the choice she must make in the end?


  • Enemies to Lovers: Ileni is a sorceress exiled to teach her greatest enemies. Sorin is the deadly assassin who greets her with a knife to the throat. They shouldn’t trust each other, let alone fall for each other.
  • Forced Proximity: Trapped deep inside the assassins’ mountain caves, Ileni has nowhere to run. Her only hope of survival might be the very man she’s supposed to fear most.
  • Magic and Assassins: A heroine losing her magic is tasked with teaching it to a clan of killers. But as she investigates the deaths of her predecessors, she’ll find secrets deadlier than any blade.
  • Slow Burn Romance: He’s determined to protect her, and the sparks between them—both magical and romantic—are undeniable. But in a world built on secrets, their star-crossed connection could get them both killed.

About the author(s)

Leah Cypess wrote her first short story—in which the narrator was an ice cream cone—at the age of six. She has degrees in biology, journalism, and law, and has traveled to Iceland, Israel, Jordan, and Costa Rica, among other places. She now lives with her family in Maryland. She is also the author of the acclaimed fantasy novels Death Marked, Mistwood, and Nightspell.

Reviews

“In a striking start to a new series full of magic and murder, Cypess has created a heroine at the intersection of Tamor Pierce’s Alanna and George R. R. Martin’s Arya Stark.” - Booklist

“A dark, atmospheric, murder mystery laced with sorcery, intrigue, and dangerous romance. Prepare to be ensnared from the very first page.” - Cinda Williams Chima,author of the best-selling Seven Realms series

“Death Sworn is YA fantasy at its finest. Intricate and clever world-building, heart-stopping action, and an unforgettable romance that left me breathless—I adored every single moment and never wanted it to end. This is Leah Cypess’s best book yet!” - Sarah J. Maas, author of the best-selling Throne of Glass series

“A thoughtful exploration of identity and responsibility wrapped in a twisty, suspenseful mystery and set in a gorgeously realized fantasy world.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Cypess masterfully depicts battles with daggers, spells, and wits. The surprising conclusion leaves readers hoping for a sequel.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“[I]t’s impossible not to fall deep into the dark yet alluring world of sorcery and secret assassins.” - Teen Vogue

More by Leah Cypess

More Action & Adventure

More Young Adult Fiction

More Fantasy

More Romance

More Mysteries & Detective Stories

More Romance

More Survival Stories

More Pirates

More Animals

More Paranormal

More Historical