Blood Beneath the Snow

DEBUT Princess Revna grows up knowing exactly why her kingdom disdains her: she has no magical ability, and only those with magic are considered worthy in her realm. When Revna helps prevent a brutal religious rite, her friends are condemned to pay the price. In a final act of defiance toward her parents and an attempt to save her friends, Revna turns down her arranged marriage to the prince of a neighboring kingdom. Instead, she commits to entering the Bloodshed Trials, in which she and her brothers will fight to the death for the right to ascend the throne. But before the competition can commence, Revna is abducted by a man known as the Hellbringer. The Hellbringer can tear souls to shreds with his magic, but rather than kill Revna, he offers to train her to compete in the Bloodshed Trials. Revna wonders why a powerful enemy wants to help her win the trials and become queen, but she takes advantage of the opportunity to learn his fighting skills and eventually gives him her trust and heart.