From award-winning author Marta Palazzesi comes a bold and exhilarating fantasy adventure—rich in breathtaking landscapes, electrifying action, and unforgettable heart.

Just as Theo is about to turn thirteen, everything he knows is turned upside down. At the stroke of midnight, he awaits his Apto—the animal guide meant to mark his future as an Archemist. But instead, a fire fox appears: the rare, fierce, and fiercely loyal companion of the Alkrem.

In that moment, Theo discovers a shocking truth—he isn’t an Archemist at all, but an Alkrem. Members of this persecuted group once wielded powerful weapons and brewed magical potions, until they were betrayed and nearly wiped out by the Archemists, who now rule with iron control. When Archemist soldiers raid his home and imprison his father, Theo sets out on a desperate mission: to find the legendary Alkrexa, an ancient Alkrem relic said to heal any wound—and possibly save his father's life.

But the path ahead is more dangerous than Theo could ever imagine. As secrets unravel and loyalties shift, Theo must question everything he’s been taught—and embrace a destiny he never asked for.