Debut writer Tahir's young adult novel tells the story of Laia, a slave in a Rome-like fantasy world where disagreeing with the government is deadly. When Laia's brother is arrested, Laia agrees to spy at a military academy in exchange for a rebel attempt to save her brother. At the academy, Laia meets Elias, a soldier who is not content with the world he lives in. The novel has themes of "rebellion and tyranny and people seeking justice," says Nelson.
