The first in an fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction.For Malik the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. BuThe first in an fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction.For Malik the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Maliks younger sister Nadia as payment into the city Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina Crown Princess of Ziran for Nadias freedom.But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother the Sultana has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.When Malik rigs his way into the contest they are set on a course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir will they be able to see their tasks to the death?(less)