An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.But her heart never wavers.After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-oldassassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secretshe hides from even her most intimate confidantes.Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test herin frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that couldjeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far moredangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten todestroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make achoice.Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?