The gorgeous and darkly compelling sequel to The Crown´s Game-perfect for fans of Red Queen and Shadow and Bone. A New York Times bestseller!Magic is growing, shadows are rising, and the throne is at stake...Russia is on the brink of great change. Pasha´s coronation approaches, and Vika is now the Imperial Enchanter, but the role she once coveted may be more difficult-and dangerous-than she ever expected.Pasha is grappling with his own problems-his legitimacy is in doubt, the girl he loves loathes him, and he believes his best friend is dead. When a challenger to the throne emerges-and with the magic in Russia growing rapidly-Pasha must do whatever it takes to keep his position and protect his kingdom.For Nikolai, the ending of the Crown´s Game stung deeply. Although he just managed to escape death, Nikolai remains alone, a shadow hidden in a not-quite-real world of his own creation. But when he´s given a second chance at life-tied to a dark price-Nikolai must decide just how far he´s...