Merciful Carnage

In Merciful Carnage, the start of a new dark fantasy duology from USA Today–bestselling author Sara Hashem, a deathless girl draws the scrutiny of an immortal ruler—one determined to uncover the truth of her existence…and her hold on his attention.

Tala’s life has been defined by her inability to die. Her superstitious village treated her with distrust and hostility since she was found floating in the Liyan River as a newborn. When a mysterious water-borne plague starts to ravage the oasis villages, Tala is sent across the desert to the city of Axsanda to seek refuge for her village. Determined to find a cure to the plague, Tala will stop at nothing to prove herself a worthy member of her community.
 
Upon Tala’s arrival in Axsanda, a would-be fatal encounter lands her in front of Selim, the chillingly beautiful High Judge and first of the four immortal siblings ruling the land. Intrigued by Tala, Selim agrees to shelter her village if she remains in her palace until they arrive. Despite his detachment from mortal emotions, Selim finds himself increasingly fascinated by the odd, ambitious girl, but Tala’s deathlessness threatens the sacred balance he is sworn to uphold. As Tala hunts for a cure to the plague, Selim hunts for an answer to her existence.
 
As terrifying omens spread across Axsanda and Tala shows signs of an impossible power, the two must reckon with their attraction . . . and its catastrophic consequences.

• “A remarkable, razor-sharp debut that cuts straight to the heart. Steeped in intrigue, tension, and dangerous magic, The Jasad Heir is a thrilling read that held me captive past its heart-pounding ending.” 
  Chelsea Abdullah, author of The Stardust Thief on The Jasad Heir
• “The Jasad Heir takes familiar fantasy plot elements—a destroyed kingdom; a hidden heir to the lost throne—and gives them a thrilling extra layer of political complexity. The slow burn between protagonist and antagonist will have you turning pages in a frenzy. Sara Hashem is a talent to watch!” 
  Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun on The Jasad Heir
• "A stunning fantasy debut that deftly examines the burdens of political responsibility. With a morally complex heroine and an incomparable enemies-to-lovers arc, The Jasad Heir is a compelling tale of self-discovery, found family, and the meaning of justice." 
  Hadeer Elsbai, author of The Daughters of Izdihar on The Jasad Heir
• "Hashem weaves a complex tapestry of magic, danger, and violence set against some vividly atmospheric worldbuilding in her mesmerizing debut." 
  Publishers Weekly on The Jasad Heir
• "Beautifully creates a story of intrigue and high stakes ... Hashem’s debut is enemies-to-possible lovers that fantasy romance readers will eat up." 
  Buzzfeed News on The Jasad Heir
• "Hashem’s debut novel is inspired partially by her time in Egypt and the rich stories there. Fans who fondly remember the Divergent and Throne of Glass series will find much to enjoy here." 
  Booklist on The Jasad Heir
• "Readers looking for a new fantasy series to latch onto will find much to love here...A promising series starter that strikes a keen balance between court intrigue and romance." 
   
  Kirkus on the Jasad Heir
• “An atmospheric fantasy debut, The Jasad Heir weaves together magic, danger and an enemies-to-lovers romance that is perfect for fans of The Stardust Thief … Sara Hashem has written a page-turner that will leave you wanting more.” 
  B&N Reads on the Jasad Heir