“Crown of Embers” ignites Eastern European folklore in a contemporary Balkan city, where 17-year-old Zora discovers she's the last of a fire-wielding lineage. As magic simmers beneath the urban landscape, Zora grapples with her newfound abilities while juggling the typical trials of high school life.

When an ancient shadow looms, threatening to extinguish all magic, she forms an unlikely alliance with Luka, a water-wielder from a rival clan. This captivating YA urban fantasy weaves a tale of identity, legacy, and collaboration as Zora and Luka uncover a sinister conspiracy.

Told through alternating perspectives and peppered with traditional folktales, the narrative explores themes of cultural preservation and environmental conservation. With its diverse cast reflecting modern Eastern Europe's multicultural tapestry, “Crown of Embers” offers a fresh, fiery take on elemental magic that will enthrall readers with its lyrical prose and rich world-building.

Jasper Xavier