<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br>Since the founding of the Empire, Alskad has been ruled by the singleborn...but the new heir to the throne carries a secret that will change everything. Patterson blends political intrigue, thrilling adventure, and an evocatively described Victorian-inspired setting in this stunning sequel to "The Diminished."<p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br><strong>Since the founding of the Empire, Alskad has been ruled by the singleborn...but the new heir to the throne carries a secret that will change everything</strong> <p/>When an assassin's bullet takes the life of Queen Runa and allows an impostor to steal the throne, Bo Trousillion is forced to flee the empire that is his birthright. With few choices left and burdened with a secret that could disinherit him, Bo pursues an alliance with Noriava, the Queen of Denor, but the devious royal ensnares him in a trap and demands a huge price for her aid. <p/>To the south, Vi Abernathy--Bo's secret twin--joins a ragtag army of resistance fighters, determined to free Alskad and the colony of Ilor from the control of the corrupt temple and its leaders. But as Vi discovers a strength she never knew she had and prepares to rejoin her brother in Alskad, news of the coup and Bo's narrow escape arrive in Ilor. <p/>Determined to rescue Bo, Vi sails to Denor with the rebels at her side and a plan to outwit Queen Noriava, knowing there's only one way she and Bo will be able to save the Alskad Empire--together.<p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br>Two fierce young people battle a fiery landscape and vicious foes in a race for freedom. I was glued to my seat! -#1 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce on The Diminished<br>