Tisaanah is a former slave who became the most powerful magic wielder in the world. Max is a disgraced war hero turned recluse. When Tisaanah needs Max's help to solve a political conspiracy, their partnership forces both to confront the past they've been running from. A self-published epic that BookTok elevated to bestseller.
Moderate heat with a slow build that makes it worth the wait.
Skip if you dislike:
Moods: Epic Slow Burn Political Powerful
Tropes: Morally Grey Hero Slow Burn Magic System Political Intrigue
Yes — book 1 of the War of Lost Hearts trilogy.
More epic fantasy, less YA — deeper magic system and political complexity.
Yes — one of indie fantasy's biggest success stories.