Books like 'The Empire of Dreams'
Readers who enjoyed The Empire of Dreams by Rae Carson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy high fantasy action / adventure mystery magic royalty family epic coming-of-age
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Assassin's Fate by Robin Hobb
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsMore than twenty years ago, the first epic fantasy novel featuring FitzChivalry Farseer and his mysterious, often maddening friend the Fool struck like a bolt of brilliant lightning... -
![Esrahaddon by Michael J. Sullivan, Marc Simonetti]()
Esrahaddon by Michael J. Sullivan, Marc Simonetti
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA HERO TO SOME. A VILLAIN TO MANY. THE TRUTH FOREVER BURIED.The man who became known as Esrahaddon is reported to have destroyed the world’s greatest empire — but there are those who believe he saved it. Few individuals are as divisive, but all agree on three He was exiled to the wilderness, hunted by a goblin priestess, and sentenced to death by a god — all before the age of eight... -
![The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima]()
The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 51 ratingsA thousand years ago, two young lovers were betrayed—Alger Waterlow to his death, and Hanalea, Queen of the Fells, to a life without love.Now, once again, the Queendom of the Fells seems likely to shatter apart. For young queen Raisa ana’Marianna, maintaining peace even within her own castle walls is nearly impossible; tension between wizards and Clan has reached a fevered pitch... -
![Blood Song by Anthony Ryan]()
Blood Song by Anthony Ryan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 58 ratingsThe Sixth Order wields the sword of justice and smites the enemies of the Faith and the Realm.” Vaelin Al Sorna was only a child of ten when his father left him at the iron gate of the Sixth Order. The Brothers of the Sixth Order are devoted to battle, and Vaelin will be trained and hardened to the austere, celibate, and dangerous life of a Warrior of the Faith...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic historical-fiction magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure -
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![First Lord's Fury by Jim Butcher]()
First Lord's Fury by Jim Butcher
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 50 ratingsFor Gaius Octavian, life has been one long battle. Now, the end of all he fought for is close at hand. The brutal, dreaded Vord are on the march against Alera. And perhaps for the final time, Gaius Octavian and his legions must stand against the enemies of his people. And it will take all his intelligence, ingenuity, and furycraft to save their world from eternal darkness...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic historical-fiction magic medieval paranormal royalty sword-sorcery -
![The Emperor of Nihon-Ja by John Flanagan]()
The Emperor of Nihon-Ja by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsWhen Horace travels to the exotic land of Nihon- Ja, it isn't long before he finds himself pulled into a battle that is not his - but one he knows in his heart he must wage. A kingdom teeters on the edge of chaos when the Nihon-Ja emperor, a defender of the common man, is forcibly overthrown, and only Horace, Will, and his Araluen companions can restore the emperor to the throne...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic historical-fiction magic medieval paranormal royalty action-adventure -
![Fool's Assassin by Robin Hobb]()
Fool's Assassin by Robin Hobb
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsTom Badgerlock has been living peaceably in the manor house at Withywoods with his beloved wife Molly these many years, the estate a reward to his family for loyal service to the crown.But behind the facade of respectable middle-age lies a turbulent and violent past. For Tom Badgerlock is actually FitzChivalry Farseer, bastard scion of the Farseer line, convicted user of Beast-magic, and assassin... -
![The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan]()
The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThree times they tried to kill her. Then a professional was hired. So was Riyria.When the last member of the oldest noble family in Avryn is targeted for assassination, Riyria is hired to foil the plot. Three years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and the cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start life as rogues-for-hire...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction magic medieval paranormal royalty sword-sorcery action-adventure -
![The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima]()
The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 51 ratingsHaunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean that danger isn't far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own... -
![Academ's Fury by Jim Butcher]()
Academ's Fury by Jim Butcher
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 54 ratingsFor centuries, the people of Alera have relied on the power of the furies to protect them from outside invaders. But the gravest threat might be closer than they think.Tavi has escaped the Calderon Valley and the mysterious attack of the Marat on his homeland... -
![The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart]()
The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsKeeping watch over the young Arthur Pendragon, the prince and prophet Merlin Ambrosius is haunted by dreams of the magical sword Caliburn, which has been hidden for centuries. When Uther Pendragon is killed in battle, the time of destiny is at hand, and Arthur must claim the fabled sword to become the true High King of Britain... -
![Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce]()
Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 54 ratingsAlianne is the teenage daughter of the famed Alanna, the first lady knight in Tortall. Young Aly follows in the quieter footsteps of her father, however, delighting in the art of spying... -
![Crownbreaker by Sebastien de Castell]()
Crownbreaker by Sebastien de Castell
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA failed mage learns that just because he's not the chosen one it doesn't mean he can't be a hero in final book of the Spellslinger series.Once an outlaw spellslinger, Kellen Argos has made a life for himself as the Daroman Queen's protector. A little magic and a handful of tricks are all it takes to deal with the constant threats to her reign... -
![Plague Arcanist by Shami Stovall]()
Plague Arcanist by Shami Stovall
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsDeserts. Rogues. A secret hidden in an underground maze.Every moment counts as Volke Savan races south to the city of New Norra. His goal: find Theasin Venrover, the famous artificer who may have a cure for the arcane plague. Separated from most of the Frith Guild—and even his sister—Volke must rely on the crew of the airship, the Sun Chaser, to help him find Theasin in time...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook -
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![Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce]()
Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsBeka Cooper is no longer a Puppy. She's a Dog now - a full-fledged member of the Provost's Guard, which keeps the peace in Corus's streets. Beka's natural skills of observation and tenacity are augmented by her unusual magical talents, which allow her to gather information both from pigeons are from the eddies of dirt and dust that swirl on street corners...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic female-mc historical-fiction magic medieval paranormal action-adventure -
![Quintana of Charyn by Melina Marchetta]()
Quintana of Charyn by Melina Marchetta
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThere's a babe in my belly that whispers the valley, Froi. I follow the whispers and come to the road . . .Separated from the girl he loves and has sworn to protect, Froi must travel through Charyn to search for Quintana, the mother of Charyn's unborn king, and protect her against those who will do anything to gain power... -
![Fyre by Angie Sage]()
Fyre by Angie Sage
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsThe seventh book in the internationally bestselling Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage, featuring the funny and fantastic adventures of a wizard apprentice and his quest to become an ExtraOrdinary Wizard...Categorized as:
coming-of-age family magic medieval paranormal royalty sword-sorcery action-adventure -
![Mastiff by Tamora Pierce]()
Mastiff by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsThe Hunt is on!Three years have passed since Beka Cooper almost died in the sewers of Port Caynn, and she is now a respected member of the Provost's Guard. But her life takes an unexpected turn when her fiancé is killed on a slave raid. Beka is faced with a mixture of emotions as, unbeknownst to many, she was about to call the engagement off...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic female-mc historical-fiction magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery -
![Awakened by Jada Fisher]()
Awakened by Jada Fisher
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMore than just the latest batch of dragons has been awakened.An epic dragon riding adventure from Jada Fisher, author of the popular Dragon Oracle series. Eist has her hands full with her truly unique dragon. With her grandfather, and mentor, out of commission, she has no choice but to embrace her training. And her destiny. But she can't seem to shake the feeling that something is wrong... -
![A Prince Out of Time by J. McCoy, Eligos]()
A Prince Out of Time by J. McCoy, Eligos
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTo save the kingdom, he'll have to stop his own murder...It’s hard to be a drunken idiot when the world keeps burning down around you. Cairn, the charming-yet-utterly-irresponsible heir to the Uskarrion throne, is all too happy to toss the crown aside. But an invasion, conspiracy, and rise of a terrifying villain result in his untimely death.Then, Cairn reawakens... -
![The Royal Ranger: A New Beginning by John Flanagan]()
The Royal Ranger: A New Beginning by John Flanagan
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsAfter a senseless tragedy destroys his life, Will is obsessed with punishing those responsible - even if it means leaving the Ranger Corps. His worried friends must find a way to stop him taking such a dark path. It is Halt who suggests the solution: Will must take an apprentice. The candidate Halt has in mind surprises everyone - and it's a request Will cannot refuse...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic family historical-fiction medieval royalty action-adventure audiobook -
![An Echo of Things to Come by James Islington]()
An Echo of Things to Come by James Islington
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThe second book in a glorious new fantasy trilogy by the next major force in commercial epic fantasy. In the wake of the devastating attack on Ilin Illan, an amnesty has been declared for all Augurs - finally allowing them to emerge from hiding and openly oppose the dark forces massing against Andarra...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook -
![Darke by Angie Sage, Mark Zug]()
Darke by Angie Sage, Mark Zug
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsIn the sixth book of the Magykal series, Alther Mella has been Banished, a Darke Domaine engulfs the Castle, and a Darke dragon is on the loose. Septimus Heap must use all of his skills to save the Castle and the Wizard Tower from destruction: He must enter the Darke. But he cannot do this alone... -
![The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson]()
The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 47 ratingsShe does not know what awaits her at the enemy's gate.Elisa is a hero. She led her people to victory over a terrifying, sorcerous army. Her place as the country's ruler should be secure. But it isn't.Her enemies come at her like ghosts in a dream, from both foreign realms and within her own court. And her destiny as the chosen one has not yet been fulfilled... -
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![The Searching by Vanessa Nelson]()
The Searching by Vanessa Nelson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOath-sworn to help those in need, Yvonne has been framed for murder.Tracking down those responsible for the destruction of the Stone Walls was a difficult enough task, but someone has made it much harder. The King is dead, and Yvonne is accused of his murder... -
![The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale]()
The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsAfter a year at the king's palace, Miri has learned all about being a proper princess. But the tables turn when the student must become the teacher!Instead of returning to her beloved Mount Eskel, Miri is ordered to journey to a distant swamp and start a princess academy for three sisters, cousins of the royal family... -
![The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson]()
The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 52 ratingsLia has survived Venda—but so has a great evil bent on the destruction of Morrighan. And only Lia can stop it.With war on the horizon, Lia has no choice but to assume her role as First Daughter, as soldier—as leader. While she struggles to reach Morrighan and warn them, she finds herself at cross-purposes with Rafe and suspicious of Kaden, who has hunted her down... -
![A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr]()
A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe Fate of the Kingdom Awaits the Cast of Stones In the backwater village of Callowford, roustabout Errol Stone is enlisted by a church messenger arriving with urgent missives for the hermit priest in the hills. Eager for coin, Errol agrees to what he thinks will be an easy task, but soon finds himself hunted by deadly assassins...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic historical-fiction magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure -
![Frostbite by Adrienne Woods]()
Frostbite by Adrienne Woods
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsLosing Lucian McKenzie, the Prince of her heart and discovering her true identity has made Elena Watkins' life almost unbearable. However, new trials will test the 17 year-old's strength and push her to limits she didn’t think were possible.Only a mysterious offer from Blake Leaf, the Rubicon and a dragon predestined for evil, reveals there may be a light at the end of Elena’s dark tunnel... -
![The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon]()
The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsSwallow, Daughter, pull them in, those words that sit upon your lips. Lock them deep inside your soul, hide them ‘til they’ve time to grow. Close your mouth upon the power, curse not, cure not, ‘til the hour. You won’t speak and you won’t tell, you won’t call on heav’n or hell. You will learn and you will thrive. Silence, Daughter. Stay alive... -
![Elven Fury by Lindsay Buroker]()
Elven Fury by Lindsay Buroker
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsJev Dharrow is trying to convince his father to cancel his arranged marriage so he can wed Zenia, the woman he loves. But when elven assassins arrive in the city, all his personal problems must be set aside. They are after his good friend, Lornysh, an elf who has saved Jev's life a dozen times over the years...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction magic paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure adult audiobook -
![The Dreamer's Curse by Honor Raconteur]()
The Dreamer's Curse by Honor Raconteur
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWith an un-cursed prince and king back on the throne, Sevana goes back to her usual routine without worry. But her peaceful days don’t last for long. A hunter from a small northern village comes to her, pleading for help. The people in his village are disappearing during the night, transported great distances in their sleep, and they don’t know why...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic female-mc magic paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure alpha-mc -
![The Water Ruptures by D.K. Holmberg]()
The Water Ruptures by D.K. Holmberg
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Disciples of the Draasin Lord have again been defeated, yet a traitor remains within Terndahl. The Inquisitors have come, and their presence has everyone on edge.With the help of the Keystone, Tolan has discovered the ability to shape each of the element bonds. Now that he’s passed testing to the second level at the Academy, he finally feels as if he belongs...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook -
![Exile's Honor by Mercedes Lackey]()
Exile's Honor by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsAlberich had spent most of his youth in the Karsite military schools training to be an officer. As the son of an impoverished mother, he had no other career choice open to him. And Alberich had risen in the ranks with almost unnatural speed. He developed expertise with many weapons and excelled in academic subjects with an ease that was the envy of his classmates... -
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![The Queen and the Cure by Amy Harmon]()
The Queen and the Cure by Amy Harmon
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThere will be a battle, and you will need to protect your heart. Kjell of Jeru had always known who he was. He'd never envied his brother or wanted to be king. He was the bastard son of the late King Zoltev and a servant girl, and the ignominy of his birth had never bothered him. But there is more to a man than his parentage... -
![Home by Sarah Prineas]()
Home by Sarah Prineas
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe fourth book in the acclaimed Magic Thief series finds Conn back where he started—accused of being a thief. Filled with magic and wonder, The Magic Thief: Home transports readers to a land where a wizard’s apprentice must battle both his enemies and his past to protect the world he knows.Despite successfully securing a balance between the competing magics of Wellmet, Conn is not happy...Categorized as:
coming-of-age family magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook -
![Professional Integrity by Michael J. Sullivan, Tim Gerard Reynolds]()
Professional Integrity by Michael J. Sullivan, Tim Gerard Reynolds
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsOne of the genre's favorite pairs returns in a classic fantasy short for both Riyria veterans and first-time readers.Several years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start their thieves-for-hire organization better known as Riyria. Things have gone well enough for the team as they do "jobs" for various nobles throughout Elan...Categorized as:
epic historical-fiction magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure adult -
![The Emerald Sea by Richelle Mead]()
The Emerald Sea by Richelle Mead
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe dazzling conclusion to #1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead's The Glittering Court series.Meet Tamsin, the Glittering Court's hard-angled emerald. Her outsized aspirations make her a fierce competitor, rising to the top of the ranks. But when the ship she boards for the New World is tragically lost at sea, she is quite literally thrown off-course...Categorized as:
drama epic historical-fiction paranormal royalty sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook -
![Terrier by Tamora Pierce]()
Terrier by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 53 ratingsHundreds of years before Alanna first drew her sword in Tamora Pierce's memorable debut, Alanna: The First Adventure, Tortall had a heroine named Beka Cooper - a fierce young woman who fights crime in a world of magic. This is the beginning of her story, her legend, and her legacy...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic female-mc historical-fiction magic medieval paranormal action-adventure -
![Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher]()
Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 68 ratingsIn this extraordinary fantasy epic, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Dresden Files leads readers into a world where the fate of the realm rests on the shoulders of a boy with no power to call his own ..Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic family historical-fiction magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery -
![Namesake by Adrienne Young]()
Namesake by Adrienne Young
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsWelcome to a world made dangerous by the sea and by those who wish to profit from it. Where a young girl must find her place and her family while trying to survive in a world built for men.With the Marigold ship free of her father, Fable and the rest of the crew were set to start over. That freedom is short-lived when Fable becomes a pawn in a notorious thug’s scheme... -
![The Earth Awakens by D.K. Holmberg]()
The Earth Awakens by D.K. Holmberg
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHaving passed his first test at the Academy, most believe Tolan has proved he belongs. Only Tolan knows the truth: that his shaping required power from the borrowed bondar—and possibly from the elementals themselves. If he can’t find a way to shape without one, he’ll be expelled from the Academy...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure arthurian -
![River of Dreams by Lynn Kurland]()
River of Dreams by Lynn Kurland
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAisling of Bruadair is frantic to find both the truth about her future and a mercenary to save her country. When an offer of aid comes from an unexpected direction, she is relieved her quest is almost complete. But she soon realizes her task is far from over . . . and will include perils she never dreamed she would ever face... -
![The Wind Rages by D.K. Holmberg]()
The Wind Rages by D.K. Holmberg
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter discovering the Inquisitor’s plot within the Academy, Tolan is offered a chance to go with his father and learn from the Draasin Lord. Doing so not only means turning against the Academy and everything he has come to know, but means the Inquisitors will succeed in their plan...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic magic medieval paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook -
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![Into the Dying Light by Katy Rose Pool]()
Into the Dying Light by Katy Rose Pool
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the jaw-dropping conclusion to the Age of Darkness trilogy, hearts will shatter, cities will fall, and a god will rise. "Solidifies Katy Rose Pool's status as one of the best fantasy writers of the 21st century."—Popsugar on As the Shadow RisesFollowing the destruction of the City of Mercy, an ancient god has been resurrected and sealed inside Beru's body...Categorized as:
coming-of-age epic found-family magic paranormal sword-sorcery action-adventure audiobook -
![Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian]()
Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA spellbinding story of three princesses and the destiny they were born for: seduction, conquest, and the crown. Immerse yourself in the first book in a new fantasy trilogy from the author of the New York Times bestselling Ash Princess series.Empress Margaraux has had plans for her daughters since the day they were born. Princesses Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz will be queens... -
![Closer to the Chest by Mercedes Lackey]()
Closer to the Chest by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHerald Mags, the King of Valdemar’s Herald Spy, has been developing a clandestine network of young informants who operate not only on the streets of the capital city of Haven, but also in the Great Halls and kitchens of the wealthy and highborn. In his own established alternate personas, Mags observes the Court and the alleys alike, quietly gathering information to keep Haven and the Kingdom safe... -
![Take a Thief by Mercedes Lackey]()
Take a Thief by Mercedes Lackey
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsMercedes Lackey's triumphant return to the best-selling world of Valdemar, Take a Thief reveals the untold story of Skif--a popular character from Lackey's first published novel, Arrows of the Queen.Skif was an orphan who would have died from malnutrition and exposure if he had never met Deke the pickpocket. By the time he was twelve, Skif was an accomplished cat burglar... -
![The Traitor's Ruin by Erin Beaty]()
The Traitor's Ruin by Erin Beaty
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAfter proving her worth in book one as a deft spy and strategic matchmaker, Sage Fowler is now comfortably positioned in high society as the royal tutor. When she’s called upon to teach his majesty’s soldiers how to read and write, she jumps at the chance to serve her kingdom of Demora—and to be reunited with her fiancé, Captain Alex Quinn. During a skirmish, Sage and Alex are separated...Categorized as:
drama epic historical-fiction magic paranormal royalty sword-sorcery action-adventure -
![Wit'ch Star by James Clemens]()
Wit'ch Star by James Clemens
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThe three deadly Weirgates are destroyed, but the threat of the Dark Lord remains. And so Elena and her companions have gone their separate ways to prepare for what is yet to come. Elena herself has journeyed to the beautiful city of A'loa Glen, there to recover her strength and spirit.Enter Harequin Quail.Some might call him a fool, but the little main in the jester's suit claims to be a spy...
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