The Girl King - Softcover

"Masterful. . . Yu crafts a rich tale filled with detailed world-building that draws readers in." --School Library Journal, starred review

"A tremendously stunning world with complex characters and a heart-pounding adventure." --Buzzfeed

"A cleverly crafted world that still feels completely believable, and, even better, new." --Hypable

"This book has been pulling in the hype--with good reason." --Paste Magazine

"Riveting." --Vox

"A fast-paced, seamless fantasy adventure full of action, mysticism, and female empowerment." --Booklist

"An absolutely fantastic tale of legends, magic and destiny." --Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series

"Everything I want in a high fantasy." --Samantha Shannon, New York Times bestselling author of THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE

"This action-packed epic fantasy engrossed me from the first page. Lu is a heroine for the ages!" --Julie C. Dao, author of FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS

"An intricate, richly crafted fantasy that will draw you in." --Heidi Heilig, author of FOR A MUSE OF FIRE

"Yu draws the reader in to a new and intriguing fantasy world with fascinating characters and deft storytelling." --Cindy Pon, author of WANT and SERPENTINE

"Fierce and unforgettable . . . Mimi Yu has that gift of magic." --Marjorie Liu, New York Times bestselling author and Hugo Award winner for MONSTRESS

"A strong debut." --Publishers Weekly

"Recommended for readers who enjoy imperfect characters and complex plots." --Kirkus Reviews

Sisters Lu and Min have always known their places as the princesses of the Empire of the First Flame: assertive Lu will be named her father's heir and become the dynasty's first female ruler, while timid Min will lead a quiet life in Lu's shadow. Until their father names a new heir--their male cousin, Set.

Determined to reclaim her birthright, Lu goes in search of allies, leaving Min to face the volatile court alone. Lu soon crosses paths with Nokhai, the lone, unlikely survivor of a clan of nomadic wolf shapeshifters. Nok never learned to shift--or to trust the empire that killed his family--but working with the princess might be the only way to unlock his true power.

As Lu and Nok form a tenuous alliance, Min's own hidden power awakens, a forbidden, deadly magic that could secure Set's reign . . . or allow her to claim the throne herself. But there can only be one emperor, and each sister's greatest enemy could very well be the other.

This sweeping fantasy set against a world of ancient magic and political intrigue weaves an unforgettable story of ambition, betrayal, and sacrifice.