A deathless girl's single-minded pursuit of the cure for a mysterious plague entangles her in a web of intrigue as an immortal ruler becomes set on uncovering the truth of her existence . . . and her hold on his attention in Merciful Carnage, the first in a new fantasy romance duology from Sara Hashem. Tala's life has been defined by her inability to die. Her superstitious village treated her with distrust and hostility since she was found floating in the Liyan River as a newborn. When a mysterious water-borne plague starts to ravage the oasis villages, Tala is sent across the desert to the city of Axsanda to seek refuge for her village. Determined to find a cure to the plague, Tala will stop at nothing to prove herself a worthy member of her community. Upon Tala's arrival in Axsanda, a would-be fatal encounter lands her in front of Selim, the chillingly beautiful High Judge and first of the four immortal siblings ruling the land. Intrigued by Tala, Selim agrees to shelter her village if he remains in her palace until they arrive. Despite his detachment from mortal emotions, Selim finds himself increasingly fascinated by the odd, ambitious girl, but Tala's deathlessness threatens the sacred balance he is sworn to uphold. As Tala hunts for a cure to the plague, Selim hunts for an answer to her existence. As terrifying omens spread across Axsanda and Tala shows signs of an impossible power, the two must reckon with their attraction . . . and its catastrophic consequences.