Heir to Kale — K.L. Bone

In the land of Kale there lies a delicate balance between the powerful Temples and the rulers of an ancient, royal bloodline. The Temples are ruled through combat, determined by a series of tournaments. Of these tournament champions, only a select few are chosen to become Defendants - an elite team charged with protecting the realm from all enemies. Selection to this team is considered the highest of honours and leadership of the team is decided only once every thirteen years. Princesses Mariana and Ameria, twin daughters of two such champions, are taken as children to separate, yet equally powerful Temples. Through years of rigorous training both are educated in the arts of combat, swordplay, and the ancient traditions of the Temple Gods. Both eventually attain the rank of Kalian Champions with the expectation of one day serving upon the coveted Defendant Team. Then, at the age of seventeen, the King declares that one of the Princesses must succeed him as future Queen. As the race for the throne begins, the sisters' long standing rivalry intensifies, leading both upon a dangerous journey that threatens not only their lives, but the fate of the entire kingdom. Unbeknownst to the twins, this treacherous path is the elaborate collaboration of an ancient prophecy and two creatures charged by the Gods themselves to ensure it comes to pass. As primeval powers awaken, the two sisters must struggle to learn the truth behind the prophesy and search for a way to change their inevitable fate.