Merciful Carnage

In Merciful Carnage, the start of a new soulmates-to-enemies dark fantasy duology from USA Today–bestselling author Sara Hashem, a deathless healer draws the scrutiny of an immortal ruler—one determined to uncover the truth of her existence and her hold on his attention.

Tala’s life has been defined by her inability to die. When a mysterious plague starts to ravage the oasis villages, Tala is banished across the desert to the glittering city of Axsanda to secure refuge for her people. With the help of her shape-shifting scorpions, Tala will stop at nothing to prove herself as a healer and worthy member of her community.     

At least, until a would-be fatal encounter lands her in front of Selim, the chillingly beautiful High Judge of Axsanda and one of four immortal rulers of the land. Intrigued by the strange, tenacious girl brought before him, Selim agrees to shelter Tala’s village only if she remains in his palace until they arrive. A century without his emotions means Selim has only one priority: maintain the sacred order of his land and eliminate any threats to its balance. While Tala hunts for a cure to the plague, Selim hunts for an answer to her existence.

Dark omens are spreading across Axsanda. As Tala begins to show signs of an impossible power, the two must reckon with their attraction . . . and its catastrophic consequences.

• "Wow, what a rush! I absolutely gobbled up Merciful Carnage from end to end. Sara Hashem weaves a stunning world rich with magic, lore, and so much atmosphere that you'll feel like you've stepped into the pages yourself. It's dark, it's captivating, and every fantasy lover needs to add this to their TBR immediately.”
  Nisha J. Tuli, New York Times bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen
• “Merciful Carnage is a breathtaking feat of a book. Balancing epic lore with complex characters, it is the kind of dark fantasy that will sink its claws into your heart and then leave you to cherish the scar.”
  Chelsea Abdullah, award-winning author of The Stardust Thief
• "Mythic and lyrical, this book swept me away into a world of golden cities, shifting sands and fateful plagues. The magic is intoxicating, the lore breathtaking, and the romance burns with a dark, aching pulse. Tala is a heroine for the ages, and her deathless tale makes you feel utterly, devastatingly alive.”
  Imani Erriu, Sunday Times bestselling author of Heavenly Bodies
• “Sara Hashem is a talent to watch!” 
  Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun on The Jasad Heir