The Crimson Fortress - Hardcover

by Akshaya Raman (Author)

In this thrilling, action-packed sequel and conclusion to the critically acclaimed Ivory Key duology called "a dream"* (Booklist, starred review), royal siblings Vira, Ronak, Kaleb, and Riya battle vengeful enemies, centuries-old mysteries, and their own personal demons in order to save their country from ruin.

The search for the Ivory Key has brought royal siblings Vira, Ronak, Kaleb, and Riya closer than they have been in years as they try to restore magic and stability to Ashoka. But despite finally getting their hands on the long-lost key, uncovering its cipher has proved more complicated and dangerous than they ever expected.

Their missions force them to split up and disperse them across Ashoka and beyond. When a rash decision by the council strips Vira of her power, her journey to reclaim her throne takes on new meaning. Kaleb travels to the neighboring country of Lyria to uncover its emperor's motives and meets a prince seeking answers of his own. Ronak's efforts to escape his arranged marriage and exonerate his brother lead to a series of risky deals that only bring him closer to what he's running from. And Riya's newfound power has turned unpredictable, but her search for answers only raises more questions.

When their attempts at decoding the key release an ancient power, the siblings must align to face the past and save their future once and for all. In a quest that culminates in a deadly labyrinth, there's only one way they will succeed: together.

But with their country on the brink and ancient powers stirring, can they uncover the truth before it's too late?

• Sibling Rivalry and Loyalty: Four siblings--Vira, Ronak, Kaleb, and Riya--are scattered across the continent, each on their own mission. But they'll have to overcome their differences to save Ashoka.
• South Asian Inspired Fantasy: A richly imagined world inspired by Indian mythology, full of ancient magic, political strife, and royal courts on the verge of collapse.
• High-Stakes Quest: The search for the Ivory Key's secrets becomes a desperate race against time as the siblings' separate paths lead them toward a shared, deadly destiny.
• Multiple POV Fantasy: Told from the perspectives of all four siblings, this gripping sequel weaves together separate journeys fraught with personal demons and kingdom-shattering revelations.