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.

• A Prophesied Savior: Iolanthe is destined to save the Realm, but she’s an untrained sixteen-year-old who wants nothing to do with her fate.
• Girl Disguised as a Boy: To survive, Iolanthe must hide her power and her identity, fooling a thousand boys at the illustrious Eton College.
• A Duty-Bound Prince: Prince Titus has a single mission: protect the girl who is the key to his revenge. Falling for her was never part of the plan.
• Breathtaking Elemental Magic: A world of primordial power where mages command fire, water, earth, and the rare, deadly power of lightning.
• Epic Historical Fantasy: Set in a magical version of Victorian England, this trilogy opener combines courtly intrigue with a brewing rebellion against a tyrannical empire.

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. 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.

The Burning Sky—the first book in the Elemental Trilogy—is an electrifying and unforgettable novel of intrigue and adventure.

“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