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The Rule: The Trials of Power, Book 1
She has lived only in shadows, but now she must step into the light.
Born and raised by the Baleful, an assassin guild spoken of only in hushed rumours, Zinha is chosen for a dangerous assignment – a game of seduction with a deadly goal that will test everything she’s trained for. The King wishes to invade the neighbouring country of Maetora, but he must first neutralise their ruler – and her dangerous magic.
Zinha infiltrates The Trial of Power, a magical competition during which the Maetorian Heir chooses his consort. She must seduce the Heir, uncover his mother’s secrets and topple their kingdom from within. But Heir Reyher is not what she expected, and neither are the Maetorians. Especially Mateo, a fellow contestant with his own secrets.
As Zinha gains more distance from the darkness of her previous life, doubts begin to surface about everything she’s been told. When rumours of a rival assassin threaten her success – and the lives of the people she has come to love – Zinha is forced to choose between the powerful bonds of her past and the fragile hope of an unexpected future. Because time is running out, and the Baleful live by only one
Succeed or die.
Born and raised by the Baleful, an assassin guild spoken of only in hushed rumours, Zinha is chosen for a dangerous assignment – a game of seduction with a deadly goal that will test everything she’s trained for. The King wishes to invade the neighbouring country of Maetora, but he must first neutralise their ruler – and her dangerous magic.
Zinha infiltrates The Trial of Power, a magical competition during which the Maetorian Heir chooses his consort. She must seduce the Heir, uncover his mother’s secrets and topple their kingdom from within. But Heir Reyher is not what she expected, and neither are the Maetorians. Especially Mateo, a fellow contestant with his own secrets.
As Zinha gains more distance from the darkness of her previous life, doubts begin to surface about everything she’s been told. When rumours of a rival assassin threaten her success – and the lives of the people she has come to love – Zinha is forced to choose between the powerful bonds of her past and the fragile hope of an unexpected future. Because time is running out, and the Baleful live by only one
Succeed or die.
Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
About the author
Bronwyn Eley
9 books91 followersI'm a fantasy author of YA and Romantasy books, born in Australia but currently living in Edinburgh, Scotland.
My debut series THE RELIC TRILOGY is a YA series published by Talem Press, perfect for anyone who loves dark fantasy, strong heroines and dark magic.
My upcoming book THE RULE is coming in March 2025 from Pantera Press, the first in a duology. This romantasy series is 'Nevernight' meets Miss Congeniality, perfect for lovers of dramatic magic, assassins and atmospheric settings.
My debut series THE RELIC TRILOGY is a YA series published by Talem Press, perfect for anyone who loves dark fantasy, strong heroines and dark magic.
My upcoming book THE RULE is coming in March 2025 from Pantera Press, the first in a duology. This romantasy series is 'Nevernight' meets Miss Congeniality, perfect for lovers of dramatic magic, assassins and atmospheric settings.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 16, 2026
‘Baleful live by only one rule - succeed or die.’
High-stakes assignment for the fate of the kingdom, featuring atmospheric and immersive world-building, morally grey characters, and dangerous secrets.
I am keen to read the next story in the Trials of Power series, by Australian author Bronwyn Eley.
High-stakes assignment for the fate of the kingdom, featuring atmospheric and immersive world-building, morally grey characters, and dangerous secrets.
I am keen to read the next story in the Trials of Power series, by Australian author Bronwyn Eley.
April 29, 2025
Too bad you can't buy hard copies outside Australia yet, definitely will be adding this to my collection once I can get a hold of it. Full of danger and intrigue! A great read!
November 21, 2025
I cannot wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews