The balance is broken, and no one in the Four Kingdoms is safe.
High King Edgar's death threw Ithenmyr into turmoil. Seizing the throne, the Southern Queen's thirst for power is unprecedented. She won't stop until all Four Kingdoms are hers to rule. The broken balance has unleashed chaos and destruction in every corner of Ithenmyr. Blood and death are around every corner. Aileana and her companions are the only ones who can stop the Southern Queen and restore the balance. The earth continues to cry out, and the darkness grows stronger every day. With Xander's map in hand, they race against time and the encroaching darkness, facing a multitude of trials on their journey. The fate of Ithenmyr rests in their hands, and they must be willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. But will they have the strength and courage to face the challenges ahead? Or will Ithenmyr fall? This Rapunzel retelling is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romantic fantasy, and is filled with banter, fated mates, fake marriage, and world-building. Of Thistles and Talons is book four in The Ithenmyr Chronicles. This series is upper YA/NA and will have moderate steam as the series progresses. There are some instances of violence, language, and mature situations.