A banished princess trained as a spy has to play princess again in bridal trials that turn deadly. Braidee Otto's first adult romantic fantasy opens the Myths of the Empyrieos series.

Readical Key Points

• Book 1 of the Myths of the Empyrieos series, according to the publisher; the next book, Daughter of the Tempest, is announced for October 2026
• Romantic fantasy with spies, deadly bridal trials and a romance that threatens her standing
• Content note: includes violence
• Reviewed in Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews
• Hardcover, 400 pages, Dial Press, 2026

Sent away from the Palace of Sorrows when she was small, Aella was raised by the Aviary, a spy network that trains orphans. At twenty-three she has become a Songbird, one of its elite assassins, on a team led by Raven, her former flame, a relationship that could cost her that standing. Then a mission sends the team into the enemy kingdom to the east, where Aella must resume her title and compete in bridal trials that turn deadly.

Publishers Weekly writes that Aella's growth from obedient agent "to a self-possessed leader anchors the story." It suits readers of romantic fantasy who like espionage and court intrigue alongside the love story. Aella was trained to follow orders, and the book turns on the day she decides whether to.

About the Author

Braidee Otto has a background in literary studies, according to her publisher, and Songbird of the Sorrows is the first book in her first romantic fantasy series for adults.

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