Emmelene Heron is the daughter of traitors, but even she cannot be denied entrance to the Carlyle School for Kings. Every thirty years, the academy opens its doors to the best and brightest young people in the Kingdom. There, they are trained in matters of heart, strength, and mind. Only the one deemed most exceptional will be crowned king and rule for the next thirty years, when King Cycle repeats. This decree was enacted thousands of years ago by Godwit himself to ensure the King is young enough that hope and idealism still thrive within them-but if they want hope and idealism, they invited the wrong girl. Collects The Carlyle School for Kings #1-#4.