Children of Ash

Axel Ashersson is the greatest hero in Åldran song. As the only son ever born to a Häxa, women gifted by the gods with magic, he is unmatched in strength and impervious to mortal injury. But with his power also comes a curse. Prophesied when he was but a babe, if Axel ever trades his heart to another, he will lose his gifts and Åldras will fall in the war against the Sidan invaders. Luckily, only one woman has ever had any claim to his heart and he's under no illusions that she'll ever give her heart to him. As a soldier in Åldras's army, Petyr Mallorysson is an esteemed warrior, a silent assassin-and also a she. For eight war-torn years, she's hidden that fact from all of Åldras. Pet knows if anyone besides Axel were to discover her gender, she would be separated from the only family she has left, and the secrets she's smothered for years will alight. When the High King of Åldras demands Axel and Pet's aid, they must venture into dangerous waters, survive the mythical creatures guarding the way to the illusive Häxa, and evade the Sidans pursuing them. While the journey may be perilous, the lies under the foundation of this war may be more than Pet, Axel, or the warring kingdoms will ever be able to defeat.