Kathleen Duey launches a mesmerizing trilogy with a book that has been honored as a National Book Award Finalist. In Sadima's time, magic has been banned and she is forced to hide her ability to communicate with animals. But then a young nobleman bent on bringing magic back to the world sends his servant to find Sadima, and a new life opens before her. Centuries later, an academy of magic welcomes 10 applicants, but only one will graduate. 'Beautifully written, fierce, and unforgettable.'-Holly Black, author of Tithe