Red Queen meets Shadow and Bone in this #1 New York Times bestselling debut about a girl forced to use her gift for sensing—and absorbing—other people’s feelings to protect the empire from assassins.

Steeped in intrigue and betrayal, Burning Glass captivates with heartrending romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s quest for redemption. 

In Riaznin, it’s considered an honor for Auraseers like Sonya—girls with a rare form of synesthesia—to serve as the emperor’s personal protector, constantly scanning for feelings of malice and bloodlust in the court. But Sonya would rather be free.

After the queen’s murder and a tragic accident, Sonya is hauled off to the palace to guard a charming yet volatile new ruler. But Sonya’s power is reckless and hard to control. She’s often carried away by the intense passion of others.

And when a growing rebellion forces Sonya to side with either the emperor who trusts her or his mysterious brother, the crown prince, Sonya realizes she may be the key to saving the empire—or its greatest threat.

• Forced Proximity: She’s been tasked with protecting the volatile new emperor, but in the close quarters of the palace, who will protect her from him?
• Enemies to Lovers Romance: Guarding the charming but infuriating Emperor Valko is a trial, but Sonya’s uncontrollable ability means she also absorbs his passion—a feeling that might be her undoing.
• A Lush, Russian-Inspired World: Journey to the empire of Riaznin, a world of gilded palaces, treacherous court politics, and secrets buried deep in the winter snow.
• A Powerful Empath: Sonya’s rare gift of synesthesia means she can’t just sense emotions—she absorbs them, a power that could make her the empire’s greatest asset, or its most dangerous threat.