The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of The Sword of Kaigen. “Powerful thought-provoking. . . . Fans of R.F. Kuang’s Babel will find much to admire here from the intricate magic system to the unflinching exploration of societal issues.” —Booklist AN ELLE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR For twenty years Sciona has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic fueled by a mad desire to achieve the impossible: to be the first woman ever admitted to the High Magistry at the University of Magics and Industry. When Sciona finally passes the qualifying exam and becomes a highmage she finds her challenges have just begun. Her new colleagues are determined to make her feel unwelcome—and instead of a qualified lab assistant they give her a j