Description

See the secrets of Eden’s twisted legacy from a new perspective with this short story set in the world of bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau’s Dividing Eden.

Graylem was born to expect a life of thievery, but superior swordsmanship and a desire for something better had long fueled his dreams to become a member of a noble family’s guard.

But when his sister Deevana’s latest scheme forces them to leave their home—and all memories of their life in Blackthorn Keep—behind, they chart a southern course towards a new life in Irae, by way of the magnificent Garden City. Disguised as northern nobles, they quickly find themselves caught up in the mysterious politics of Eden’s royal family—and infatuated by its newest member, the beautiful seeress Imogen.

A member of Eden’s guard offers Graylem the chance to prove his worth, but his brutal trial for entry into the guard is waylaid by the appearance of Prince Andreus and Princess Carys. Graylem may be a simple man, but when he sees the royal siblings conferring in secret, he knows that all is not well in the Palace of the Winds—and before long, he learns that whatever darkness is lurking in the city’s walls could mean devastation for his family… and for Eden.


  • A Dividing Eden Companion Story: Perfect for fans of Joelle Charbonneau's bestselling series, this prequel novella reveals the twisted legacy of Eden from a new perspective and explores the darkness that existed long before the Trials of Virtuous Succession.
  • Sibling Loyalty Tested: He's an aspiring guardsman with a sword and a conscience; she's a reckless thief with dangerous ambitions. When her latest scheme goes wrong, Graylem must choose between his dreams and his sister.
  • Royal Court Deception: Disguised as nobles in Garden City, Graylem and Deevana are drawn into a web of secrets surrounding the royal family, a beautiful seeress, and the mysterious Prince Andreus and Princess Carys.
  • Swords and Secrets: In the Palace of the Winds, a sword can earn you a place in the guard—or a blade in the back. Graylem's skill is tested, but the deadliest secrets aren't fought on the training grounds.

About the author(s)

Joelle Charbonneau has performed in opera and musical-theater productions across Chicagoland. She is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Testing trilogy and the bestselling Dividing Eden series, as well as two adult mystery series and several other books for young adult readers. Her YA books have appeared on the Indie Next List, YALSA’s Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, and state reading lists across the country. Joelle lives in the Chicago area with her husband and son. www.joellecharbonneau.com

Reviews

“A fast-paced read that teens antsy to untangle the mystery will devour...hand to teens looking for a thought-provoking, timely thriller.” - Booklist

PRAISE FOR JOELLE CHARBONNEAU: “The rising tension, skillfully executed scenarios, and rich characterizations all contribute to an exciting story bound to capture readers’ imaginations. . . . Charbonneau works action, romance, intrigue, and a plausible dystopian premise into a near-flawless narrative.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Fast-paced and full of crosses and double-crosses, right to the cliffhanger ending.” - Booklist

“Charbonneau has created an elegantly organized plot. . . . The tension and conflict will have readers at the edge of their seats as the imagery and complexities of the characters and plot design are exposed.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“Charbonneau delivers a tightly paced thriller packed with enough tension to keep teens hooked until the dramatic finale.” - School Library Journal

“Joelle Charbonneau made test-taking terrifying in her best-selling trilogy, The Testing. Now, she turns her dystopian eye towards social networks and teens’ wishes in Need.” - EW.com

PRAISE FOR DIVIDING EDEN: “Charbonneau’s skill as a thriller writer will hook readers as the tension between the siblings grows and the Trial of Succession rushes towards an explosive end... This new fantasy will give them plenty to sink their teeth into.’ - Booklist

More by Joelle Charbonneau

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