Suko is the Blade of the Goddess of Final Silence. He serves death, and his life is a void of cold discipline and clean missions. He serves his merciless deity without question.
Ceara is a baker whose life smells of fresh bread and simple kindness. She collects strays, mends the broken, and shines a light so bright it’s bound to attract shadows.
When a mission forces Suko into a silent vigil in her market square, he’s forced to watch her. Every kind word, every selfless act, is a crack in his brutal conditioning. What begins as an unwelcome distraction deepens into an obsession, pulling him from the shadow of his goddess with a force stronger than any divine command.
But the Temple does not tolerate flawed instruments. And to his goddess, love is the ultimate corruption.
When his goddess marks Ceara for death, Suko’s devotion will finally be tested. Will he remain the loyal Blade, or will he defy the only god he has ever known to save the woman who shattered his silence?
I read this an ARC reader! There is something so special about Foster’s voice, poetic but still easy to fall into. I really enjoyed this book. The relationships feel real and earned, and Suko’s growth throughout the story feels genuine. The way the author describes the baked goods honestly made my mouth water. I also loved how faith and magic are woven together in a way that feels fresh and meaningful. This world feels alive and fully realized.