ELLEN wants nothing to do with becoming ruler or Si'Empra. That's not what others want ... but the price of what they want is her life.
When Ellen escapes from the Serai and the abuse of her brother, she’s thrust into the lives of others, also hiding and hunted. It's not in Ellen's nature to stay cowered. Skirting capture – just – she challenges the cruelty she sees around her. In the process, she discovers just how vulnerable her island home is. The forces that hold it together are weakening.

At first, Ellen’s new life is like a game to her, one in which she needs to pit her wits against others who want to best her. Pretty soon, however, the game becomes too serious to lose. Ellen’s pulled inexorably into a contest for a future. Losing is about much more than her own life ... it’s about friends and family and her homeland, the cold, rugged but stunningly beautiful Antarctic island of Si’Empra.

"This is a creative and unique story with amazing world-building. The author’s skillful use of imagery captivated me from the first page. From the cold and relentless setting to the unusual and delightful animals, this story is well-developed and engrossing" (Jane)