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About The Book

In this action-packed finale to the House of the Dead Duology, Wren and her friends put everything they know to the test as they battle the living and the undead to save their world.

Wren is still reeling from the revelation that the mother she thought was dead is actually the Corpse Queen, a ghostsmith with the terrifying power to control the undead. It was Wren’s own mother who created the iron revenants—an army of near unbeatable undead soldiers. When the iron revenants attack, no one in the Dominions will have the strength to stand in their way.

Now Wren, Leo, and Julian find themselves once more in the Breach, this time on the run from Wren’s father, who is determined to secure more power for himself and the House of Bone. The three are desperate to stop the upcoming war, but working together is easier said than done with Julian still furious about Wren double-crossing him. And to make matters worse, Wren is plagued by powerful new abilities that force her to reassess everything she knows about being a bonesmith.

When Wren’s long-lost twin brother shows up and vows to help her destroy the well of magic that feeds the iron revenants, she must decide if trusting him is worth potentially playing right into their mother’s hands.

After all, the dead might be dangerous, but it’s the living who can betray you.

About The Author

Photograph by Jessi Rae Fournier

Nicki Pau Preto is a fantasy author living just outside Toronto—though her dislike of hockey, snow, and geese makes her the worst Canadian in the country. She studied art and art history in university and worked as a graphic designer before becoming a full-time writer. She is the author of the Crown of Feathers trilogy and the House of the Dead Duology, and you can find her online at NickiPauPreto.com.

Why We Love It

“This novel is unlike anything I’ve read before. Nicki Pau Preto has created a dark, cold world were the dead pose an even greater threat than the living. And Wren is an arrogant, kickass, constantly compelling, but not always likeable heroine who I still somehow root for from the first page to the last. I dare you not to finish the book immediately hungry for the next!”

—Sarah M., Senior Editor, on Ghostsmith

Product Details

  • Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (August 13, 2024)
  • Length: 448 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665910644
  • Grades: 9 and up
  • Ages: 14 - 99

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More books from this author: Nicki Pau Preto

More books in this series: House of the Dead Duology