This Shattered Promise

In a world where life itself must be paid for if you want tosurvive... what would happen if you could buy more? Thissequel to the Carnegie-nominated These Stolen Lives is athrilling and beautifully written dystopian romantasy, full of tension,romance and godly powers. Perfect for fans of Malorie Blackmanand Tahereh Mafi. After her secret involvement in a rebellion against the Skøl government,seventeen-year-old Mora has now been separated from her friendKit, just as they realized their feelings for each other. Targetedfor her rare memory and drawing skills, she has been draggedto help unscrupulous Sciencemaster General, Sacrifice Sting,deliver a breakthrough for the High Governor: the key to immortality.Can the Skøl conquer death itself? And at what price?The secret may lie in ancient Xan wisdom that Kit's native people,sequestered in their last enclave in the Badlands, have long guarded.In the wrong hands, these powers would be utterly devastating.Can Kit and Mora manage to find each other again - and savetheir future?These Stolen Lives was nominated for the CarnegieMedal for Writing 2025 and longlisted for the Branford BoaseAward 2025.A gorgeous, slow-burn romance full of longing and hope, drawnin a dual narrative.New villains, mysterious new allies, rich new settings and adeeper exploration of folkloric, mythic fantasy magic and dangerousgods...Sensitive and intelligently explored themes of colonialism,greed, injustice and equality. PRAISE FOR THESE STOLEN LIVES:'A striking, thought-provoking YA dystopia' - The Guardian 'Fabulously detailed world-building' - Patrice Lawrence, author ofOrangeboy