From New York Times bestselling author Jay Kristoff comes a dangerous new fantasy world and a heroine shrouded in darkness. Destined to destroy empires, Mia Corvere is only ten years old when she receives her first lesson in death. Six years later, the child raised in the shadows takes her first steps to fulfill the promise she made on the day she lost everything. However, the opportunity to strike against such powerful enemies will be fleeting. If she wants to take her revenge, Mia must become an unparalleled weapon. She must prove herself against the deadliest friends and foes and survive the teachings of murderers, liars, and demons in the heart of a cult of assassins. The Red Church is no ordinary school, but Mia is no ordinary student. The shadows love her, and they drink her fear.