Sixteen-year-old Deka is fearfully waiting for the Test, which will decide whether the people of the village will accept her, because her supernatural intuitions already set her apart from her peers. Deka prays for her blood to be red, but as it turns to gold, she unfortunately turns out to be impure. This means that a fate worse than death awaits him. But then a mysterious lady appears, who offers him a way out: he can join the ranks, the emperor's all-girl army. The Alaks are all beaten with rare abilities, almost immortal beings, they are the only ones who can ward off the attacks of the Death Screams that are ravaging the country. Deka is so desperate for acceptance that she accepts the dangerous offer and leaves her home village, the only community she knows. As he prepares for the biggest fight of his life, he must face the fact that many secrets reside within the high walls of the capital. Everything and everyone turns out to be different than what they seem. Even Deka himself.

"Namina Forna is the fresh voice YA fantasy has desperately needed." POPSUGAR

"An action-packed and twisty story that depicts social injustices in a thought-provoking way. After the clean conclusion, the reader wants to continue the tale." Booklist

"It leads us into a world full of dangers and disappointments, where its obedient girl hero survives male domination and trains to become a warrior. Without a doubt, the best fantasy of 2021." Kim Johnson

"Heart-pounding twists and a fiery, tenacious heroine - a dazzling, punchy fantasy debut." Elizabeth Lim
"Forna creates a universe where the sisterhood of women stands between hope and despair." BookBub

"A treat for fans of Tomi Ayedemi's Children of Blood and Bone." PureWow