Her homeland under siege. A dark sorcerer hot on her trail. All the prophecies say Linden can stop him. Who are they kidding?

**2021 B.R.A.G. Medallion Award**
**2022 First Place - YA Fantasy - Incipere Awards**
**2022 Finalist - The Wishing Shelf Book Awards**
**2022 Finalist - Indies Today Awards**

Linden is the worst mage apprentice at her school. Her latest disaster: accidentally destroying her classroom when a small hooded fay pops up inside the fireball she's just conjured.

Linden is sent to the headmaster's office to be formally expelled, when she is saved by the bell—quite literally. Someone is frantically ringing the bell inside the watchtower overlooking the western frontier. Raiders are coming, in broad daylight, wearing the uniforms of the enemy army.

In the days following the raid, rumors begin to fly about the invading commander, with dark powers and an even darker mission. And for some reason Linden has yet to fathom, he's taken a personal interest in her and her unruly magic.

Praise for the award-winning Serving Magic series:

"A captivating fantasy adventure with a relatable female protagonist. Highly recommended! " (The Wishing Shelf, for LADY APPRENTICE)

"Airy, fun and brimming with magic…a rollicking fantasy adventure of enchanting proportions." (Indies Today, for LADY SPY)

"This series has everything I love in a good young adult fantasy novel...a powerful protagonist, a strong plot, dry humor, and a romantic interest that our protagonist resists..." (Readers Favorite, for LADY LIEGE)