In this young adult fantasy novel, Princess Elise of the Rathlan Empire lost everything when her exiled grandfather came back with a legion of zealots and seized the throne from her mother. Having barely escaped with her life, Elise goes into hiding and over the years befriends other outcasts as she learns the skills she will need to reclaim her birthright from the returned Mad Emperor.
Each of their small band would be killed, or worse, if their true identities were known; from the studious healer witch, to the sneaky trans girl who perpetually lives in shadows and disguises. Still, they are able to keep hidden and safe as they prepare to fight for a better future.
But all that is thrown into peril when a sly young man stumbles into trouble that could get them all noticed by the authorities. If Elise and her small band of allies don't do something very clever, very soon, they could all be exposed and slaughtered just for the crime of being born different in a kingdom that demands purity.
They may have no choice but to confront this threat now, before they're ready, and risk a fiery death from the sky that will consume everyone.
Elise will even have to face the very warrior that slaughtered her father, and decide if she wants vengeance, justice, or if she is strong enough to put aside her own feelings to save a city full of innocents.
Dethroned is the first book in the Renegade Princess series.
Peter J Larrivee is a horror/fantasy author who hails from the Land of Lovecraft. Look for his other books online or at select shops and bookstores around Rhode Island.