book cover of This Shattered Promise
 

This Shattered Promise

(2025)
(The second book in the These Stolen Lives series)
A novel by

 
 
In a world where life itself must be paid for if you want to
survive, what would happen if you could buy more? This sequel to
These Stolen Lives is a thrilling and beautifully written
dystopian fantasy, full of tension, romance and godly powers. Perfect
for fans of Malorie Blackman and Tahereh Mafi.



Seventeen-year-old Mora survived the Skøl invasion seven years
ago, but it left her indebted to the government as an indentured
'repayer'. After her secret involvement in a rebellion, she has
now been separated from her friend Kit, just as they realised their
feelings for each other. Targeted for her rare memory skills,
she has been dragged to help unscrupulous Sciencemaster General,
Sacrifice Sting, deliver a breakthrough for the High Governor:
the
key to immortality
. Can the Skøl conquer death itself? And
at what price?



The secret may lie in ancient Xan wisdom that Kit's native people,
sequestered in their last enclave in the Badlands, have long
guarded. In the wrong hands, these powers would be utterly devastating.
Can Kit and Mora manage to find each other again - and save
their future?






  • A gorgeous, slow-burn romance full of longing and hope, drawn
    in a dual narrative.


    New villains, mysterious new allies, rich new settings and a
    deeper exploration of folkloric, mythic fantasy magic and dangerous
    gods...


    Sensitively, intelligently explored themes of colonialism, greed,
    injustice and equality.

    PRAISE FOR
    THESE STOLEN LIVES:


    'A striking, thought-provoking YA dystopia' - The Guardian




    'Fabulously detailed world-building' - Patrice Lawrence, author of
    Orangeboy




    Genre: Young Adult Fantasy




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