Böcker av Christina Fong

After a harrowing escape from Cedar Palace, Rilla and her faithful friend, Aiden, must locate the Sacred Cedar Scepter. This icon is the key to securing the throne for Prince Carrick, who has remained behind to fight his wicked brother for power. Without the scepter, no one can claim the right to rule, and the kingdom will collapse from the ensuing chaos.Now, Rilla and Aiden must venture to Emberwood Kingdom, where they believe they will find the mysterious thief who stole the scepter. If only things were that easy.First, they must cross the enemy forests of the shapeshifting Yao, sail across Miyu-infested seas, and remain vigilant of the face-changing Androgy Haming, who is close on their tail. It's a race to see who can locate the scepter first. All the while, Rilla's struggle to control her magical tin-chai makes her doubt herself as she may have lost her healing ability forever. She fears that her power to kill will hurt someone she loves. And as Aiden and Rilla grow closer during their journey, Rilla begins to question her developing feelings toward her friend and the love she thought she had for Carrick.Despite their determination, one main uncertainty lingers. Even if they do retrieve the scepter, will Carrick be deemed worthy enough to receive the right to rule? Or does Old Grandfather Heaven have other plans?

Sixteen-year-old Rilla Marseas believes she has a calling to become a healer. Her soul yearns to help people and save lives. Why else would Heaven grant her a singing voice that can heal any ailment? But if the palace discovers her power, she'll be selected for the annual Showcase, where the most beautiful and magically gifted girls in Seracedar Kingdom compete for the chance to enter the emperor's harem. That's the last thing Rilla wants. To avoid such a fate, she hides her power. No matter how the other villagers ridicule her for being worthless and talentless, she suppresses the urge to reveal her powerful voice and prove them wrong. When a palace scout poisons Rilla's auntie and coerces her into revealing her power, she's thrown into the competition. The scout threatens to harm her family if she doesn't win. But Rilla learns there really is no winning. The emperor and empress keep girls with magical powers as pets. In cages. With some help from a handsome, but brooding prince and his mysterious bodyguard, Rilla must outsmart the palace and escape. If she fails, she'll spend the rest of her life as the royal couple's puppet, using her voice to grant them eternal youth.

Sixteen-year-old Rilla Marseas believes she has a calling to become a healer. Her soul yearns to help people and save lives. Why else would Heaven grant her a singing voice that can heal any ailment? But if the palace discovers her power, she'll be selected for the annual Showcase, where the most beautiful and magically gifted girls in Seracedar Kingdom compete for the chance to enter the emperor's harem. That's the last thing Rilla wants. To avoid such a fate, she hides her power. No matter how the other villagers ridicule her for being worthless and talentless, she suppresses the urge to reveal her powerful voice and prove them wrong. When a palace scout poisons Rilla's auntie and coerces her into revealing her power, she's thrown into the competition. The scout threatens to harm her family if she doesn't win. But Rilla learns there really is no winning. The emperor and empress keep girls with magical powers as pets. In cages. With some help from a handsome, but brooding prince and his mysterious bodyguard, Rilla must outsmart the palace and escape. If she fails, she'll spend the rest of her life as the royal couple's puppet, using her voice to grant them eternal youth.