• Age: 13 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12

"A fast-paced fantasy for fans of complicated families, lush magic, and beautiful friendships." — Linsey Miller, author of Mask of Shadows

Eight years ago, everything changed for Devlin: Her country was attacked. Her father was killed. And her mother became the Whisperer of Aris, the head of the spies, retreating into her position away from everyone… even her daughter.

Joining the spy ranks herself, Dev sees her mother only when receiving assignments. She wants more, but she understands the peril their country, Aris, is in. The malevolent magic force of The Mists is swallowing Aris’s edges, their country is vulnerable to another attack from their wealthier neighbor, and the magic casters who protect them from both are burning out.

Dev has known strength and survival her whole life, but with a dangerous new assignment of infiltrating the royal court of their neighbor country Cerena to steal the magic they need, she learns that not all that glitters is weak. And not all stories are true.

Emily Victoria is a Canadian prairie girl who writes young adult science fiction and fantasy. When not wordsmithing, she likes walking her overexcitable dog, drinking far too much tea, and crocheting things she no longer has the space to store. Her librarian degree has allowed her to work at a library and take home far too many books.

Emily Victoria's profile page

“Remarkably grounded in realism while displaying a fantastic and imaginative nature.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

"A fast-paced fantasy for fans of complicated families, lush magic, and beautiful friendships." — Linsey Miller, author of Mask of Shadows

"Her well-wrought world of spies and suspicion will intrigue fantasy readers." — Booklist

"...the casual queerness of the world (gender neutral terms such as layde for monarchs and nobility, along with nonbinary characters and queer side couples) is as refreshing as it is subtle." — Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books

Praise for This Golden Flame:

"This Golden Flame examines the perils of power and the magic of friendship for a fun-filled adventure. With a delightful cast of characters and an explosive plot, fantasy fans won't want to miss this one!"—Rosiee Thor, author of Tarnished Are The Stars

"With intricate worldbuilding and a delightful cast of characters, Emily Victoria's This Golden Flame was a page-turning adventure I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved getting lost in Karis and Alix's world as they uncovered the dark secrets of their country's past and found strength and purpose in being true to themselves."—Audrey Coulthurst, author of Of Fire and Stars

“A slow-burn fantasy about found family, friendship, and the struggles of finding oneself, This Golden Flame is perfect for fans of classic YA fantasies and automatons with hearts of gold.”—Linsey Miller, author of the Mask of Shadows duology and Belle Révolte

“Victoria creates a world in which questioning history and fighting for the good of all takes center stage… It’s a refreshing adventure…for readers seeking a unique twist in the fantasy genre.”—School Library Journal

“Victoria creates an engaging narrative with enough fantasy and science fiction elements to satisfy fans of both genres… A colorful fantasy with ancient Greek influences that is a delight to read.”—Kirkus Reviews