“Thrillingly refreshing, a propulsive story built around a fascinating cast of characters…brutal and beautiful and bold and Black in every way.” —Tor.comMagic is women’s work; war is men’s.But in the coming battle, none of that will matter. Men do not become mystics. They become warriors. But eighteen-year-old Salo has never been good at conforming to his tribe’s expectations.For as long as he can remember, he has loved books and magic in a culture where such things are considered unmanly.Despite it being sacrilege, Salo has worked on a magical device in secret that will awaken his latent magical powers. And when his village is attacked by a cruel enchantress, Salo knows that it is time to take action. Salo’s queen is surprisingly accepting of his desire to be a mystic, but she will not allow him to stay in the tribe.Instead, she sends Salo on a quest. The quest will take him thousands of miles north to the Jungle City, the political heart of the continent.There he must gather information on a growing threat to his tribe. On the way to the city, he is joined by three fellow outcasts: a shunned female warrior, a mysterious nomad, and a deadly assassin.But they’re being hunted by the same enchantress who attacked Salo’s village.She may hold the key to Salo’s awakening—and his redemption.