The Unchosen Series by Kristin J. Dawson

An oath betrayed. A centuries-long curse. A kingdom teetering on the edge of destruction. In a world of magic, Nicoleta is unremarkable, except for her cursed, stuttering tongue. No special powers, no renowned apprenticeship, just the terrible, stammering aftereffects of the Lilac Plague. Until she opens the ghostly blue vision from her mother... moreAn oath betrayed. A centuries-long curse. A kingdom teetering on the edge of destruction. In a world of magic, Nicoleta is unremarkable, except for her cursed, stuttering tongue. No special powers, no renowned apprenticeship, just the terrible, stammering aftereffects of the Lilac Plague. Until she opens the ghostly blue vision from her mother. Instead of words of endearment, the vision reveals that Nicoleta’s mother was a Guardian entrusted with a magical key — a key so powerful that those who rule will do anything to find it. The burden of protecting the key now falls to Nicoleta. In a race against the crown, she must find the treasure and the true heir, the only one who can stop the curse from being fulfilled. Impossible? Almost certainly. One false step spells disaster. But Nicoleta is no fool. Where those before her died trying, Nicoleta forges a new path, relying on her wits and some unlikely allies. Do you dare face the Lilac Plague? This coming of age, young adult fantasy adventure with mysterious magic, evil emperors, and a thread of romance will leave you amazed and clamoring for the next book. less

The old order crumbles. New battle lines are drawn. With enemies at the gate, the last thing Dacia needs is a contender for the crown. Nicoleta Aurelian’s official coronation is fast approaching, but she’s having doubts about being recognized as Empress of Dacia. As a scholar’s daughter, she has little understanding of the machinations of the Rose Court, let alone the political skills needed to run a kingdom... moreThe old order crumbles. New battle lines are drawn. With enemies at the gate, the last thing Dacia needs is a contender for the crown. Nicoleta Aurelian’s official coronation is fast approaching, but she’s having doubts about being recognized as Empress of Dacia. As a scholar’s daughter, she has little understanding of the machinations of the Rose Court, let alone the political skills needed to run a kingdom. With the nobility abandoning her, a possible traitor in her inner circle, and the surrounding kingdoms alert to any weaknesses, Nikka must consider her every move. Her desperate gambit to end the Lilac Plague may have saved Dacia, but without the sickness to keep rivals at bay, it also made her kingdom vulnerable to invasion. And her attempts to improve the lives of the most vulnerable put the entire kingdom at risk of economic collapse. Between Auripo’s war-like future queen, the powerful and ambitious Theracian Emperor, and the magical Norte, it’s impossible to know who to trust. Nikka must rely on old allies and her instincts to keep Dacia safe from threats within and without. But what if that means handing over the crown to the mysterious heir of Odon? Who would you choose, when every alliance means making an enemy? The sequel to The Lilac Plague, with ancient magic, thorny political intrigue, mystery, and romance will leave you clamoring for the final book in The Unchosen trilogy. less