• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 7 to 12

A girl who yearns for freedom, a handsome thief . . . and the start of an epic romantic adventure that will change the course of history, combining the romance and adventure of The Princess Bride with the political intrigue of Game of Thrones. For fans of Stephanie Garber, Leigh Bardugo, Shelby Mahurin and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

A lifetime of hardship and toil has left Persephone dreaming of a destiny that belongs to none but her. When a chance encounter with a handsome thief offers hope of escape, she recklessly sets her plan in motion.

But the thief, Azriel, has plans of his own and no intention of letting her go anywhere. For he and his clan believe that Persephone could be the key to defeating the king's regent, a sadistic monster who has hunted them for years. Torn between her longing for freedom and her growing feelings for Azriel, Persephone finds herself plunging ever deeper into a dark and dangerous world where death is never more than one careless word away.

As tensions rise to a fever pitch, Persephone faces the hardest choice she has ever had to make. And no one—least of all her—could have imagined the shocking truth her decision will reveal.

Updated and revised for a brand-new audience, this propulsive blend of romance, fantasy and adventure will ensnare readers' hearts and imagination. Once Upon a Broken Heart meets The Queen's Thief in Prophecy, the first book in The Fractured Kingdom trilogy — filled with heart-pounding romance and epic adventure.

M.L. Fergus' profile page

M.L. FERGUS's many books for young people have been translated into more than a dozen languages, optioned for television, adapted for stage, and won or been shortlisted for numerous prestigious awards. She writes illustrated books for young readers under the name Maureen Fergus. She lives in Winnipeg, Canada with her family.

More information about M.L. Fergus can be found on her website www.maureenfergus.com.

"A fast-paced trilogy opener full of intrigue and surprises." —Kirkus Reviews