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Dancer. Warrior. Executioner.

An epic story about truth, loyalty and betrayal.

Deep in the desert a storm is brewing. The first in a slow burning romantasy.

'Enchanting.' Katharine Corr, co-author of Daughter of Darkness

Under the blazing sun, an elite troupe of dancers are trained to harness their magic. They are the queen’s most formidable assassins. Aasira has one of the rarest talents – for she is a flame-wielder. Feared by all and envied by some, she uses her power to execute enemies of the crown.

Aasira’s greatest wish is to serve her queen. But on the eve of her graduation, with tensions rising among the dancers and secrets stirring in the shifting sand dunes, she begins to question whether she was truly born to kill…

‘A sweeping adventure of secrets, betrayals and alternate histories.’ Kendare Blake, author of Champion of Fate

‘Completely addictive. An absolute must read.’ Rosie Talbot, author of Sixteen Souls

About the Author

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Zulekhá A. Afzal grew up in Cornwall, where the dramatic coastline inspired stories of other worlds and magic. She now lives in Bath where she studied English Literature with Creative Writing and completed the MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. When she isn’t writing fantasy fiction or working as an assistant editor, you can find Zulekhá in a ballet class. Dancers of the Dawn is her first novel, and she is currently working on the second book in the series.

Praise For…

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'Never has dance appeared so utterly beguiling – or deadly. A captivating read.' London Shah, award-winning author of the Light the Abyss series

'An enchanting tale of magic, sisterhood, and finding your place in the world... A truly gripping read from start to finish.' Ann Sei Lin, author of Rebel Skies

‘Dance magic? Say no more, I’m sold. The friendship in this story is also so powerful. The ups and down of trust and betrayal…really packed a punch.’ S.A. MacLean, author of The Phoenix Keeper

'Spellbinding...introduces readers to an epic high fantasy world of magic, dance, assassins and deadly secrets.' Culturefly Books to Look Forward to Reading in 2024 pick by Natalie Xenos