DEATH SWORN

A fantasy about a young sorceress with mysteriously fading powers who has been sent to tutor a sect of deadly assassins in their underground stronghold; but while trying to solve the murders of the tutors who preceded her, she will discover a terrible secret about the assassins' true goals, one that will challenge her deepest beliefs and force her to make a choice that could overthrow an empire.

A secret cave of assassins-in-training. A young sourceress sentenced to be their teacher. When a young sorceress is exiled to teach magic to a clan of assassins, she will find that secrets can be even deadlier than swords. From the critically acclaimed Leah Cypess comes a dangerous and eerie fantasy about murder, shocking discoveries, and fiery star-crossed romance that readers of Cinda Williams Chima and Robin LaFevers won't be able to put down. Ileni is losing her magic. And that means she's losing everything: her position as the rising star of her people, her purpose in life, and even the young man she loves. Sent to the assassins' cave, hidden deep within the mountains, she expects no one will ever hear from her again. The last two sorcerers sent died within weeks of each other. Accidents? Or something more sinister? As Ileni navigates the dangers—both natural and human—of the caves, she'll discover secrets that have been kept for decades. And she'll find an ally in Sorin, the deadly young man who could be the assassins' next leader. With Sorin determined to protect her, sparks—magical and romantic—will fly. But will even he understand the choice she must make in the end? This dangerous and eerie novel is an epic fantasy, perfect for fans of Cinda Williams Chima and Kristin Cashore, but it is also a murder mystery, a fiery star-crossed romance, and a journey into the unknown. To be followed by a sequel in March 2015. By the author of MISTWOOD and NIGHTSPELL. Leah Cypess is the author of the acclaimed Mistwood and its companion, Nightspell. She lives with her family in Boston, Massachusetts.