Her Radiant Curse

From the New York Times bestselling author of SIX CRIMSON CRANES comes a tale of two sisters—one as beautiful as the other is monstrous— who must fight to save each other when a betrothal contest gone wrong unleashes an evil that could sever their bond forever.

One sister must fall for the other to rise.

Channi was not born a monster. But when her own father offered her in sacrifice to the tiger witch, she was forever changed. Cursed with a serpent's face, Channi is the exact opposite of her beautiful sister Vanna—the only person in the village who looks at Channi and doesn’t see a monster. The only person she trusts.

Now seventeen, Vanna is to be auctioned off in a vulgar betrothal contest that will enrich the coffers of the village leaders. Only Channi, who’s had to rely on her strength and cunning all these years, can defend her sister against the cruelest of the suitors. But in doing so, she becomes the target of his wrath—launching a series of vicious gladiatorial fights, a quest over land and sea, romance between sworn enemies, and a choice that will strain Channi's heart to its breaking point.

Weaving together elements of The Selection and Ember in the Ashes with classic tales like Beauty and the Beast and Helen of Troy, Elizabeth Lim is at the absolute top of her game in this thrilling yet heart-wrenching fantasy that explores the dark side of beauty and the deepest bonds of sisterhood.

ELIZABETH LIM grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she was raised on a hearty diet of fairy tales, myths, and songs. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth was a professional film and video game composer, and she still tends to come up with her best book ideas when writing near a piano. An alumna of Harvard College and the Juilliard School, she now lives in New York with her husband and her daughters.

“Every page of Elizabeth Lim’s masterful writing shimmers with beauty and emotion. With characters who steal your heart, a rich world of legend, and a gorgeous romance, this is a journey you’ll wish had no end.” —Alexandra Bracken, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Silver in the Bone

"Her Radiant Curse glows from start to finish. An origin story that stuns even knowing how it will end, bringing new beauty and darkness alike to Raikama’s tale. Elizabeth Lim’s writing is a marvel." —Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights

“Elizabeth Lim’s worlds and words are always magical.” —Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow

"[A] thrilling fantasy adventure...lush storytelling evokes East Asian folklore mixed with Helen of Troy vibes, culminating in an intriguing tale about one sisterhood that endures against all odds." —Publishers Weekly