The Burning Sky

Magic, romance, and intrigue combine in this extraordinary novel—the first in the Elemental Trilogy—for fans of Cinda Williams Chima and Kristin Cashore. Publishers Weekly called it "a wonderfully satisfying magical saga" in a starred review, and Kirkus Reviews said it "bids fair to be the next big epic fantasy success."

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of the Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.

Guided by his mother's visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life.

• Hidden Identity: To survive, Iolanthe must disguise herself as a boy and hide in plain sight at the prestigious Eton College, fooling a thousand boys while harboring a world-changing secret.
• Fantasy Romance: Prince Titus knows falling for the girl he’s sworn to protect is a mistake. But as he trains Iolanthe for a battle she may not survive, their forbidden connection becomes undeniable.
• Elemental Magic: Fire, water, and earth answer to Iolanthe’s call. But a dangerous prophecy suggests a power she doesn’t know she has, one that could either save the Realm or destroy it.
• Epic Fantasy World-Building: From a magical version of Victorian England to the secrets of a tyrannical empire, this sweeping tale pits a prophesied savior and a duty-bound prince against a powerful enemy in a battle for the ages.

It all began with a ruined elixir and a bolt of lightning.

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's been told. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.

Guided by his mother's visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. . . .

“Sherry Thomas’s The Burning Sky is a marvelous, magical adventure set in a beautifully imagined world. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.” - Rae Carson, bestselling author of the Girl of Fire and Thorns series

“Thomas weaves a lush, intricate fantasy world around a gorgeous romance that kept me riveted until the very last page. What a breathtaking journey!” - Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author of the Legend series

“A rich, captivating world, full of intrigue, romance, and magic. The Burning Sky is truly unique and unlike anything else I’ve read!” - Sarah J. Maas, bestselling author of Throne of Glass

“The Burning Sky combines one of the most creative magical systems since Harry Potter, with sizzling romance and characters who will win your heart.” - Cinda Williams Chima, New York Times bestselling author of the Seven Realms series

“As expected, Thomas’s romantic touch is sure, but she is just as adept with fantasy world-building, carrying the banners of Anne McCaffrey and Caroline Stevermer, among others, in a wonderfully satisfying magical saga.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Bids fair to be the next big epic fantasy success. Teens and adults in the target audience will devour it.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Heightened action combined with Scarlet Pimpernel-esque cleverness will keep readers eagerly turning pages, while the romantic tension between the two leads adds juiciness to the plot. This blend of magic, gender-bending disguise, and self-sacrificial longing will satisfy fantasy lovers.” - Horn Book Magazine

“Strong focus on characters and world building make this a fantasy saga to watch.” - Booklist