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THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

‘Epic in scope, its worldbuilding as intricate as filigree,THE FINAL STRIFE sings of rebellion, love, and the courage it takes to stand up to tyranny’

Samantha Shannon, bestselling author of THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE

The empire is ruled by blood: red-blooded Embers, blue-blooded Dusters and clear-blooded Ghostings. All will be shed in the coming battle for power.

The Aktibar – a set of trials held every ten years to find the next Ember rulers of the Empire – is about to begin.

All Embers can join but it requires great skill to win.

Sylah was destined to become Warden of Strength, forged as a weapon to change the Empire from within. Those dreams of a better future turned to dust when her family were brutally murdered.

But Sylah wasn’t made to sparkle, she was born to burn. And as the trials draw near it’s time for her to decide…will she rule the Empire or destroy it?

Publisher Review

'Featuring a love triangle, an enemies to lovers arc, and plenty of intrigue, this read will have you running the full gamut of emotions' Huffington Post UK 'El-Arifi is a game-changing new voice in epic fantasy, and The Final Strife is a triumph of book, full of rage, charm, and a cast of misfits you can't help but root for. There are no Chosen Ones here. Only bad choices and blood' Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne 'Epic, gripping and searing, The Final Strife weaves a fascinating tale of destiny, magic and love set in a richly imagined yet brutally divided world. Its unexpected, gritty heroine is one you cannot help but root for, and the story will stay with you long after the last page' Sue Lynn Tan, author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess 'El-Arifi tells a tale that is as fierce as its characters, plunging you into a sandy, stratified world until you can feel the grit between your teeth. Heart-wrenching and heart-pounding, The Final Strife is an unmissable debut' Andrea Stewart, author of Bone Shard Daughter 'Full of rich, vivid world-building with political intrigue and characters you can't help but root for. I loved it' Christina Sweeney-Baird, author of The End of Men 'Epic fantasy turned on its head in the most compelling way imaginable. A heroine with bite, a supporting cast of flawed but deeply human characters, and world building that is raw, unforgiving and richly textured, The Final Strife is the real deal. El-Arifi is a bold new voice in epic fantasy and I cannot wait to read more of her work' Kalynn Bayron, bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead and This Poison Heart 'A rip-roaring read!' Taran Matharu, NYT bestselling author of the Summoner and Contender series