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Queen of Faces

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Queen of Faces

By: Petra Lord
Narrated by: Nicky Endres, Dylan Reilly Fitzpatrick, E. A. Castillo
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About this listen

An epic and unforgettable fantasy adventure from a phenomenal new voice – NOW AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

‘A work of wild imagination, this is an outstanding debut’ Juno Dawson, Sunday Times bestselling author of Her Majesty’s Royal Coven

‘If you want to be surprised, gripped, moved and wildly entertained – this book is for you’ Antonia Hodgson, author of The Raven Scholar

Anabelle is trapped in a boy’s body, and in a year, it will kill her.

In the nation of Caimor, the wealthy buy and trade bodies like clothes. But Ana can only afford a grey, damaged male form, and by her seventeenth birthday, it’s already falling apart. As her extraordinary magical ability grows, but her body continues to fail her, she is left with only one choice: become an assassin for Paragon Academy, Caimor's prestigious school of magic.

But rebellion brews in Caimor, and at its helm is Khaiovhe, the most infamous dark mage in history. As Ana steals, fights and kills for Paragon, and forms a tentative alliance – and maybe more – with the elusive Wes, she discovers secrets that transform her concept of hero and villain … while striving, above all, to become her truest self. And that might just be the most powerful thing of all.

A page-turning blockbuster, full of heart-pounding action, inventive magic, cinematic plot twists and emotional gut-punches: the perfect must-have new read for fans of SIX OF CROWS, THE ATLAS SIX and BABEL.

©2026 Petra Lord (P)2026 Macmillan Audio
Action & Adventure Difficult Situations Editors Select Family & Relationships Friendship Literature & Fiction Magic Science Fiction & Fantasy Royalty Heartfelt

Editorial Review

The result of 8 years of world-building
I had the privilege of interviewing debut author Petra Lord about her novel Queen of Faces, and given the layered, intricate world that envelops this twisty, dark-academia fantasy, it was no surprise to learn that she has been working on the world-building since 2017. The detail involved is that of a seasoned author, and the intersection of gender and identity and how the magic system can bind or fracture the two feels wholly original despite its cyberpunk origins. Queen of Faces shuns a chosen-one narrative—instead we see our heroine Ana capitalize on rejection, and it is this relatable human experience that ultimately lays the groundwork for the series. Performed by Dylan Reilly Fitzpatrick, E.A. Castillo, and Nicky Endres, Queen of Faces is poised to take you on a transformative, albeit morally gray, journey. —Katie O., Audible Editor

Critic Reviews

‘A work of wild imagination, this is an outstanding debut. An original and epic fantasy world with magic that feels entirely real’ Juno Dawson, Sunday Times bestselling author of Her Majesty’s Royal Coven

‘A bold, captivating novel that grabbed me from the first page and did not let go. Petra Lord’s brilliantly imagined world is at once deadly and enchanting, her characters vivid and true. If you want to be surprised, gripped, moved and wildly entertained – this book is for you’ Antonia Hodgson, author of The Raven Scholar

‘A hugely ambitious, wholly riveting 14+ fantasy debut’ Guardian

‘Unputdownable and utterly unique – a spectacular, mesmerising debut and a breath of fresh air in the fantasy space. Petra Lord has crafted a world that is brutal and brilliant in equal measure. Her writing is incredible – and the plot twists had me gasping!’ Katherine Webber, author of Twin Crowns

Queen of Faces delivered everything I’ve ever wanted from an epic fantasy world and so much more: high stakes adventure, a fascinating magic system, twists, turns and layered political scheming – and a cast of characters who hold my entire heart in their hands’ Bea Fitzgerald, author of Girl, Goddess, Queen

‘A twisty, dark academia fantasy full of heart, with rich worldbuilding and a heroine whom you want to succeed in every way.’ Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author of Skyhunter

‘The ruthless, remarkable world you’ve been waiting for. Queen of Faces is enthralling in its magic and ensnaring with its unique take. Nothing is as it seems, and the deft subversion strikes true each time’ Chloe Gong, New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights

Queen of Faces sweeps you into a world of magic, corruption, and gender-expansive chaos – totally gripping and overflowing with delicious angst’ Alice Oseman, author of Heartstopper

‘This original fantasy debut explores intriguing questions about identity against a backdrop of exquisite world building’ Observer

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