A brilliant con artist and a secretive librarian collide in New York Times bestselling author Kalyn Josephson's enchanting adult fantasy debut packed with twists, tricks, slow-burn romantic tension, and magical creatures—perfect for fans of S. A. MacLean, Mai Corland, and K.A. Linde.

Kasira used to be a masterful con artist: choosing her target, building trust, judging the precise moment to make her move. Now, she's working off a lengthy prison sentence by hunting dangerous magical creatures on behalf of the fanatical kingdom of Kalthos.

But Kasira's past catches up to her when the ambassador from Kalthos arrives at her camp with a deal: her freedom in exchange for infiltrating and destabilizing the magical institution meant to protect all six kingdoms—the Library of Amorlin.

When Kasira assumes the role of the new Assistant Librarian, she enters an enchanting world brimming with books and beasts, tempting her with a life she can never have. But Kasira's real future depends on her long con to bring down the Librarian. Unfortunately, Allaster is as prickly as he is handsome, and his monstrous secrets are about to catch up with them both …

“Absolutely fantastic—I couldn't put this book down! A stunning, absorbing, and timely tale about a wondrous library, magical beasts, and a conwoman with both everything and nothing to lose. I loved it! ”—Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop