Author: Alicia Wanstall-Burke
Publisher: Coraidic Sagas
ISBN: 9780648447801
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 322
Book Description
Lidan Tolak is the fiercest of Erlon Tolak's daughters; more than capable of mastering the wilderness of the South Lands and one day leading the clan. However, she is pressured to adopt a submissive lifestyle more befitting her position as First Daughter - an existence governed by her volatile and manipulative mother, who Lidan suspects of keeping dark secrets. Caught between her warring parents, Lidan's world begins to unravel when another of her father's wives falls pregnant. But before she has time to consider the threat of a brother, a bloody swathe is cut through the heart of the clan and Lidan is forced into a fight, not only to prove her worth, but simply to survive. Ranoth Olseta, son of the Duke of Orthia, wants nothing more than to be a worthy successor to his father's throne. His family have held the frontline against the aggressive Woaden Empire for generations, but the enemy now move closer with each season. When his home comes under threat, Ran must use every available resource to protect himself and his people. However, in becoming his city's saviour, he is marked by the enemy and condemned to death by his family. Confused and betrayed, Ran is forced to flee Orthia, vowing to reclaim what he has lost, even if it kills him. Facing an unknown future, and battling against forces both familiar and foreign, can Lidan and Ran overcome the odds and uncover the secrets threatening to drag them into inescapable darkness?
Blood of Heirs
Author: Alicia Wanstall-Burke
Publisher: Coraidic Sagas
ISBN: 9780648447801
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 322
Book Description
Lidan Tolak is the fiercest of Erlon Tolak's daughters; more than capable of mastering the wilderness of the South Lands and one day leading the clan. However, she is pressured to adopt a submissive lifestyle more befitting her position as First Daughter - an existence governed by her volatile and manipulative mother, who Lidan suspects of keeping dark secrets. Caught between her warring parents, Lidan's world begins to unravel when another of her father's wives falls pregnant. But before she has time to consider the threat of a brother, a bloody swathe is cut through the heart of the clan and Lidan is forced into a fight, not only to prove her worth, but simply to survive. Ranoth Olseta, son of the Duke of Orthia, wants nothing more than to be a worthy successor to his father's throne. His family have held the frontline against the aggressive Woaden Empire for generations, but the enemy now move closer with each season. When his home comes under threat, Ran must use every available resource to protect himself and his people. However, in becoming his city's saviour, he is marked by the enemy and condemned to death by his family. Confused and betrayed, Ran is forced to flee Orthia, vowing to reclaim what he has lost, even if it kills him. Facing an unknown future, and battling against forces both familiar and foreign, can Lidan and Ran overcome the odds and uncover the secrets threatening to drag them into inescapable darkness?
Publisher: Coraidic Sagas
ISBN: 9780648447801
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 322
Book Description
Lidan Tolak is the fiercest of Erlon Tolak's daughters; more than capable of mastering the wilderness of the South Lands and one day leading the clan. However, she is pressured to adopt a submissive lifestyle more befitting her position as First Daughter - an existence governed by her volatile and manipulative mother, who Lidan suspects of keeping dark secrets. Caught between her warring parents, Lidan's world begins to unravel when another of her father's wives falls pregnant. But before she has time to consider the threat of a brother, a bloody swathe is cut through the heart of the clan and Lidan is forced into a fight, not only to prove her worth, but simply to survive. Ranoth Olseta, son of the Duke of Orthia, wants nothing more than to be a worthy successor to his father's throne. His family have held the frontline against the aggressive Woaden Empire for generations, but the enemy now move closer with each season. When his home comes under threat, Ran must use every available resource to protect himself and his people. However, in becoming his city's saviour, he is marked by the enemy and condemned to death by his family. Confused and betrayed, Ran is forced to flee Orthia, vowing to reclaim what he has lost, even if it kills him. Facing an unknown future, and battling against forces both familiar and foreign, can Lidan and Ran overcome the odds and uncover the secrets threatening to drag them into inescapable darkness?
Blood Heir
Author: Amélie Wen Zhao
Publisher: Ember
ISBN: 0525707824
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 508
Book Description
The first book in an epic new series about a princess hiding a dark secret and the con man she must trust to clear her name for her father's murder. In the Cyrilian Empire, Affinites are reviled. Their varied gifts to control the world around them are deemed unnatural—even dangerous. And Anastacya Mikhailov, the crown princess, is one of the most terrifying Affinites. Ana’s ability to control blood has long been kept secret, but when her father, the emperor, is murdered, she is the only suspect. Now, to save her own life, Ana must find her father’s killer. But the Cyrilia beyond the palace walls is one where corruption rules and a greater conspiracy is at work—one that threatens the very balance of Ana’s world. There is only one person corrupt enough to help Ana get to the conspiracy’s core: Ramson Quicktongue. Ramson is a cunning crime lord with sinister plans—though he might have met his match in Ana. Because in this story, the princess might be the most dangerous player of all. Praise for Blood Heir “Cinematic storytelling at its best.”—Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of Sky in the Deep and The Girl the Sea Gave Back “Zhao shines in the fast-paced and vivid combat scenes, which lend a cinematic quality that pulls readers in.”—NYT Book Review “Zhao is a master writer who weaves a powerful tale of loyalty, honor, and courage through a strong female protagonist. . . . Readers will love the fast-paced energy and plot twists in this adventure-packed story.”—SLJ
Publisher: Ember
ISBN: 0525707824
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 508
Book Description
The first book in an epic new series about a princess hiding a dark secret and the con man she must trust to clear her name for her father's murder. In the Cyrilian Empire, Affinites are reviled. Their varied gifts to control the world around them are deemed unnatural—even dangerous. And Anastacya Mikhailov, the crown princess, is one of the most terrifying Affinites. Ana’s ability to control blood has long been kept secret, but when her father, the emperor, is murdered, she is the only suspect. Now, to save her own life, Ana must find her father’s killer. But the Cyrilia beyond the palace walls is one where corruption rules and a greater conspiracy is at work—one that threatens the very balance of Ana’s world. There is only one person corrupt enough to help Ana get to the conspiracy’s core: Ramson Quicktongue. Ramson is a cunning crime lord with sinister plans—though he might have met his match in Ana. Because in this story, the princess might be the most dangerous player of all. Praise for Blood Heir “Cinematic storytelling at its best.”—Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of Sky in the Deep and The Girl the Sea Gave Back “Zhao shines in the fast-paced and vivid combat scenes, which lend a cinematic quality that pulls readers in.”—NYT Book Review “Zhao is a master writer who weaves a powerful tale of loyalty, honor, and courage through a strong female protagonist. . . . Readers will love the fast-paced energy and plot twists in this adventure-packed story.”—SLJ
Blood Heir
Author: Ilona Andrews
Publisher: NYLA
ISBN: 1641971584
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
From award-winning author, Ilona Andrews, an all-new novel set in the New York Times #1 bestselling Kate Daniels World and featuring Julie Lennart-Olsen, Kate and Curran's ward. Atlanta was always a dangerous city. Now, as waves of magic and technology compete for supremacy, it’s a place caught in a slow apocalypse, where monsters spawn among the crumbling skyscrapers and supernatural factions struggle for power and survival. Eight years ago, Julie Lennart left Atlanta to find out who she was. Now she’s back with a new face, a new magic, and a new name—Aurelia Ryder—drawn by the urgent need to protect the family she left behind. An ancient power is stalking her adopted mother, Kate Daniels, an enemy unlike any other, and a string of horrifying murders is its opening gambit. If Aurelia’s true identity is discovered, those closest to her will die. So her plan is simple: get in, solve the murders, prevent the prophecy from being fulfilled, and get out without being recognized. She expected danger, but she never anticipated that the only man she'd ever loved could threaten everything. One small misstep could lead to disaster. But for Aurelia, facing disaster is easy; it’s relationships that are hard.
Publisher: NYLA
ISBN: 1641971584
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
From award-winning author, Ilona Andrews, an all-new novel set in the New York Times #1 bestselling Kate Daniels World and featuring Julie Lennart-Olsen, Kate and Curran's ward. Atlanta was always a dangerous city. Now, as waves of magic and technology compete for supremacy, it’s a place caught in a slow apocalypse, where monsters spawn among the crumbling skyscrapers and supernatural factions struggle for power and survival. Eight years ago, Julie Lennart left Atlanta to find out who she was. Now she’s back with a new face, a new magic, and a new name—Aurelia Ryder—drawn by the urgent need to protect the family she left behind. An ancient power is stalking her adopted mother, Kate Daniels, an enemy unlike any other, and a string of horrifying murders is its opening gambit. If Aurelia’s true identity is discovered, those closest to her will die. So her plan is simple: get in, solve the murders, prevent the prophecy from being fulfilled, and get out without being recognized. She expected danger, but she never anticipated that the only man she'd ever loved could threaten everything. One small misstep could lead to disaster. But for Aurelia, facing disaster is easy; it’s relationships that are hard.
Red Tigress
Author: Amélie Wen Zhao
Publisher: Delacorte Press
ISBN: 0525707859
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 450
Book Description
Fans of Children of Blood and Bone will love the sequel to Blood Heir. The second book in an epic fantasy series about a princess hiding a dark secret and the con man she must trust to liberate her empire from a dark reign. Ana Mikhailov is the only surviving member of the royal family of Cyrilia. She has no army, no title, and no allies, and now she must find a way to take back the throne or risk the brutal retribution of the empress. Morganya is determined to establish a new world order on the spilled blood of non-Affinites. Ana is certain that Morganya won't stop until she kills them all. Ana's only chance at navigating the dangerous world of her homeland means partnering with Ramson Quicktongue again. But the cunning crime lord has schemes of his own. For Ana to find an army, they must cross the Whitewaves to the impenetrable stone forts of Bregon. Only, no one can be certain what they will find there. A dark power has risen. Will revolution bring peace--or will it only paint the streets in more blood.
Publisher: Delacorte Press
ISBN: 0525707859
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 450
Book Description
Fans of Children of Blood and Bone will love the sequel to Blood Heir. The second book in an epic fantasy series about a princess hiding a dark secret and the con man she must trust to liberate her empire from a dark reign. Ana Mikhailov is the only surviving member of the royal family of Cyrilia. She has no army, no title, and no allies, and now she must find a way to take back the throne or risk the brutal retribution of the empress. Morganya is determined to establish a new world order on the spilled blood of non-Affinites. Ana is certain that Morganya won't stop until she kills them all. Ana's only chance at navigating the dangerous world of her homeland means partnering with Ramson Quicktongue again. But the cunning crime lord has schemes of his own. For Ana to find an army, they must cross the Whitewaves to the impenetrable stone forts of Bregon. Only, no one can be certain what they will find there. A dark power has risen. Will revolution bring peace--or will it only paint the streets in more blood.
Legacy of Ghosts
Author: Alicia Wanstall-Burke
Publisher: Coraidic Sagas
ISBN: 9780648447832
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 424
Book Description
Four years have passed since Lidan's world was ripped apart, and time is running out to change her father's mind about the succession before the bargain with her mother expires. Torn between what she wants and what she knows is right, she is faced with an impossible choice; will her brother live, or will he die? Within the walls of the Hidden Keep, Ranoth holds his secrets close as he tries to harness his wild magic. But when life in the Keep descends into chaos, he is cast once more into the outside world, forced upon a southward path toward unknown lands and untold danger. With Ran set on seeking justice and revenge, and Lidan fighting to find her feet and follow her heart, journeys will converge, and the ghosts of a past thought long dead will rise.
Publisher: Coraidic Sagas
ISBN: 9780648447832
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 424
Book Description
Four years have passed since Lidan's world was ripped apart, and time is running out to change her father's mind about the succession before the bargain with her mother expires. Torn between what she wants and what she knows is right, she is faced with an impossible choice; will her brother live, or will he die? Within the walls of the Hidden Keep, Ranoth holds his secrets close as he tries to harness his wild magic. But when life in the Keep descends into chaos, he is cast once more into the outside world, forced upon a southward path toward unknown lands and untold danger. With Ran set on seeking justice and revenge, and Lidan fighting to find her feet and follow her heart, journeys will converge, and the ghosts of a past thought long dead will rise.
The Queen of Blood
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0062413368
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 300
Book Description
Set in the magical world of Renthia, The Queen of Blood is Sarah Beth Durst’s ambitious entry into adult epic fantasy. With the danger of Peter Brett’s The Warded Man, heart of Naomi Novik’s Uprooted, and lyricism of Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of the Wind, this is the first chapter in a series destined to be a classic. Everything has a spirit: the willow tree with leaves that kiss the pond, the stream that feeds the river, the wind that exhales fresh snow . . . But the spirits that reside within this land want to rid it of all humans. One woman stands between these malevolent spirits and the end of humankind: the queen. She alone has the magical power to prevent the spirits from destroying every man, woman, and child. But queens are still just human, and no matter how strong or good, the threat of danger always looms. With the position so precarious, young women are chosen to train as heirs. Daleina, a seemingly quiet academy student, is under no illusions as to her claim to the throne, but simply wants to right the wrongs that have befallen the land. Ven, a disgraced champion, has spent his exile secretly fighting against the growing number of spirit attacks. Joining forces, these daring partners embark on a treacherous quest to find the source of the spirits’ restlessness—a journey that will test their courage and trust, and force them to stand against both enemies and friends to save their land . . . before it’s bathed in blood.
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0062413368
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 300
Book Description
Set in the magical world of Renthia, The Queen of Blood is Sarah Beth Durst’s ambitious entry into adult epic fantasy. With the danger of Peter Brett’s The Warded Man, heart of Naomi Novik’s Uprooted, and lyricism of Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of the Wind, this is the first chapter in a series destined to be a classic. Everything has a spirit: the willow tree with leaves that kiss the pond, the stream that feeds the river, the wind that exhales fresh snow . . . But the spirits that reside within this land want to rid it of all humans. One woman stands between these malevolent spirits and the end of humankind: the queen. She alone has the magical power to prevent the spirits from destroying every man, woman, and child. But queens are still just human, and no matter how strong or good, the threat of danger always looms. With the position so precarious, young women are chosen to train as heirs. Daleina, a seemingly quiet academy student, is under no illusions as to her claim to the throne, but simply wants to right the wrongs that have befallen the land. Ven, a disgraced champion, has spent his exile secretly fighting against the growing number of spirit attacks. Joining forces, these daring partners embark on a treacherous quest to find the source of the spirits’ restlessness—a journey that will test their courage and trust, and force them to stand against both enemies and friends to save their land . . . before it’s bathed in blood.
The Heirs
Author: Susan Rieger
Publisher: Crown
ISBN: 1101904739
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
An “original and moving” (The New York Times Book Review), “must-read” (People) portrait of an unforgettable, patrician Manhattan family and the tangled nature of inheritance and legacy, from the author of Like Mother, Like Mother “An absorbing page-turner, full of sex and secrets . . . I loved getting to know the entire Falkes clan.”—New York Times bestselling author Emma Straub AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR When English-born lawyer Rupert Falkes dies, his wife and five adult sons are bereft—even more so when six months later, their grieving is interrupted by an unknown woman suing Rupert’s estate, claiming that he was also the father to her two sons. The Falkes brothers are pitched into turmoil, at once missing their father and feeling betrayed by him. In disconcerting contrast, their mother, Eleanor, is cool and calm, showing preternatural composure. Eleanor and Rupert had made an admirable life together, and they were proud of their handsome, talented sons: Harry, a brash law professor; Will, a savvy Hollywood agent; Sam, an astute doctor and scientific researcher; Jack, a jazz trumpet prodigy; Tom, a public-spirited federal prosecutor. The brothers see their identity and success as inextricably tied to family loyalty—a loyalty they always believed their father shared. Struggling to reclaim their identity, the brothers find Eleanor’s sympathy toward the woman and her sons confounding, and they begin to question whether they knew either of their parents at all.
Publisher: Crown
ISBN: 1101904739
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
An “original and moving” (The New York Times Book Review), “must-read” (People) portrait of an unforgettable, patrician Manhattan family and the tangled nature of inheritance and legacy, from the author of Like Mother, Like Mother “An absorbing page-turner, full of sex and secrets . . . I loved getting to know the entire Falkes clan.”—New York Times bestselling author Emma Straub AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR When English-born lawyer Rupert Falkes dies, his wife and five adult sons are bereft—even more so when six months later, their grieving is interrupted by an unknown woman suing Rupert’s estate, claiming that he was also the father to her two sons. The Falkes brothers are pitched into turmoil, at once missing their father and feeling betrayed by him. In disconcerting contrast, their mother, Eleanor, is cool and calm, showing preternatural composure. Eleanor and Rupert had made an admirable life together, and they were proud of their handsome, talented sons: Harry, a brash law professor; Will, a savvy Hollywood agent; Sam, an astute doctor and scientific researcher; Jack, a jazz trumpet prodigy; Tom, a public-spirited federal prosecutor. The brothers see their identity and success as inextricably tied to family loyalty—a loyalty they always believed their father shared. Struggling to reclaim their identity, the brothers find Eleanor’s sympathy toward the woman and her sons confounding, and they begin to question whether they knew either of their parents at all.
Isle of Blood and Stone
Author: Makiia Lucier
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0544968603
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 405
Book Description
Eighteen years ago, two princes vanished. Now a riddle hidden on a mysterious map could chart a course towards the truth and the missing royals in this historical fantasy that's perfect for fans of Rachel Hartman and Tamora Pierce. Eighteen years ago two princes of the island kingdom of St. John del Mar were kidnapped and murdered, a deadly plot by the rival kingdom of Mondrago. Everyone knows the story, but for Elias, Mercedes, and Ulises, the aftermath of that tragic day is deeply personal. Elias grew up without his father, who was killed trying to protect the princes. Mercedes is half-Mondragan, leaving her to grow up in the shadow of del Mar’s hate. And Ulises, as the youngest and only remaining prince, inherited the throne meant for his older brothers. Now, the three friends just want to move on with their lives. But when two maps surface—each with the same hidden riddle—troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young princes? And why do the maps look like they were drawn by Elias’s father, whose body was never found? To discover what really happened that fateful day, Elias, Mercedes, and Ulises must follow the clues hidden in the maps, uncovering long-held secrets and unimaginable betrayals along the way. But the truth is dangerous, and not everyone wants it to come out. Isle of Blood and Stone is a sweeping fantasy full of intrigue and schemes, romance and friendship, and fearless explorers searching for the truth.
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0544968603
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 405
Book Description
Eighteen years ago, two princes vanished. Now a riddle hidden on a mysterious map could chart a course towards the truth and the missing royals in this historical fantasy that's perfect for fans of Rachel Hartman and Tamora Pierce. Eighteen years ago two princes of the island kingdom of St. John del Mar were kidnapped and murdered, a deadly plot by the rival kingdom of Mondrago. Everyone knows the story, but for Elias, Mercedes, and Ulises, the aftermath of that tragic day is deeply personal. Elias grew up without his father, who was killed trying to protect the princes. Mercedes is half-Mondragan, leaving her to grow up in the shadow of del Mar’s hate. And Ulises, as the youngest and only remaining prince, inherited the throne meant for his older brothers. Now, the three friends just want to move on with their lives. But when two maps surface—each with the same hidden riddle—troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young princes? And why do the maps look like they were drawn by Elias’s father, whose body was never found? To discover what really happened that fateful day, Elias, Mercedes, and Ulises must follow the clues hidden in the maps, uncovering long-held secrets and unimaginable betrayals along the way. But the truth is dangerous, and not everyone wants it to come out. Isle of Blood and Stone is a sweeping fantasy full of intrigue and schemes, romance and friendship, and fearless explorers searching for the truth.
Blood of the Mantis
Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky
Publisher: Prometheus Books
ISBN: 161614341X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 417
Book Description
Driven by the ghosts of the Darakyon, Achaeos has tracked the stolen Shadow Box to the marsh-town of Jerez, but he has only days before the magical box is lost to him forever. Meanwhile, the forces of the Empire are mustering over winter for their great offensive, gathering their soldiers and perfecting their new weapons. Stenwold and his followers have only a short time to gather what allies they can before the Wasp armies march again, conquering everything in their path. If they cannot throw back the Wasps this spring then the imperial black-and-gold flag will fly over every city in the Lowlands before the year's end. In Jerez begins a fierce struggle over the Shadow Box, as lake creatures, secret police and renegade magicians compete to take possession. If it falls into the hands of the Wasp Emperor, however, then no amount of fighting will suffice to save the world from his relentless ambition.
Publisher: Prometheus Books
ISBN: 161614341X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 417
Book Description
Driven by the ghosts of the Darakyon, Achaeos has tracked the stolen Shadow Box to the marsh-town of Jerez, but he has only days before the magical box is lost to him forever. Meanwhile, the forces of the Empire are mustering over winter for their great offensive, gathering their soldiers and perfecting their new weapons. Stenwold and his followers have only a short time to gather what allies they can before the Wasp armies march again, conquering everything in their path. If they cannot throw back the Wasps this spring then the imperial black-and-gold flag will fly over every city in the Lowlands before the year's end. In Jerez begins a fierce struggle over the Shadow Box, as lake creatures, secret police and renegade magicians compete to take possession. If it falls into the hands of the Wasp Emperor, however, then no amount of fighting will suffice to save the world from his relentless ambition.
Heir of Ra
Author: Maciek Sasinowski
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781732446793
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 310
Book Description
An excavation of the fabled Hall of Records beneath the Sphinx unleashes an ancient disease that leaves Alyssa Morgan's father fighting for his life. As seventeen-year old Alyssa races to find a cure, she stumbles onto an impossible artifact that could unveil the link between the traceless disappearance of Atlantis and the birth of Egyptian mythology. She finds unexpected help from Oxford University student, Paul Matthews, and brilliant computer geek, Clay Obono. Together, the unlikely trio uncovers messages concealed in the relic, catapulting Alyssa into the mind of an Egyptian god. The story unfolds in two parallel timelines separated by millennia that provide the accounts of two distinct, yet ultimately linked characters: a young boy, Horus, who was exiled from his island home of Atlantis and rises to become worshipped as the falcon-headed god, and young Alyssa, who relives his memories stored in the artifact. The current and ancient tales intertwine as Alyssa evades ruthless adversaries set on conquering the power within the artifact, and she discovers the value of Horus's hybrid blood and its connection to the ancient disease. The plots crescendo to a climax beneath the Sphinx, unveiling the origin of the mystical statue and the startling truth about Alyssa's birthright.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781732446793
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 310
Book Description
An excavation of the fabled Hall of Records beneath the Sphinx unleashes an ancient disease that leaves Alyssa Morgan's father fighting for his life. As seventeen-year old Alyssa races to find a cure, she stumbles onto an impossible artifact that could unveil the link between the traceless disappearance of Atlantis and the birth of Egyptian mythology. She finds unexpected help from Oxford University student, Paul Matthews, and brilliant computer geek, Clay Obono. Together, the unlikely trio uncovers messages concealed in the relic, catapulting Alyssa into the mind of an Egyptian god. The story unfolds in two parallel timelines separated by millennia that provide the accounts of two distinct, yet ultimately linked characters: a young boy, Horus, who was exiled from his island home of Atlantis and rises to become worshipped as the falcon-headed god, and young Alyssa, who relives his memories stored in the artifact. The current and ancient tales intertwine as Alyssa evades ruthless adversaries set on conquering the power within the artifact, and she discovers the value of Horus's hybrid blood and its connection to the ancient disease. The plots crescendo to a climax beneath the Sphinx, unveiling the origin of the mystical statue and the startling truth about Alyssa's birthright.