.png)
.png)
Empire of Gods and Beasts
(Penguin Random House SEA, 2023)
Beware the monster in the mountains.
Four Elementals in the running. One final battle awaits.
​
The bloody battle between Lettoria and Oasis Kingdom saw the destruction of the Wall that has kept magic out of the Oasis Kingdom for centuries. Now, the kingdom dissolves into chaos with Emperor Han at the helm and rampant magic spilling across the land.
As Desert Rose and Windshadow return to the kingdom in search of the last Elemental, rumours of a rebel prince arrive from the west, heralding a revolution.
Meanwhile, an ancient power stirs within the deep dark heart of Yeli Mountain, awakened by the magic flooding the kingdom.
As the Elementals draw closer to the final race at the Immortal Spring, the last gateway to the realm of gods and beasts, they can only rely on the powers they inherited from the gods to stay alive in the destruction and rebirth of the new world.
Cover art © 2023 by Manasi Mathur
Author's Note
They say the second book in a trilogy is the hardest to write. They say each book makes you learn something new. Both observations, I've come to find, are true.
​
Writing KINGDOM allowed me to linger in this world I'd created, but also to develop it further and dive deeper into each character's psyche. It made me read Sun-Tzu's The Art of War from start to finish, read up on political espionages, covert military operations, and still I feel like I've barely just scratched the surface.
​
Writing KINGDOM was a learning process, but also a continuation of my love for Asian historical dramas and fascination with its culture and history. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it!
​
​
Content Warnings:
Murder, death, persecution, torture, stabbing, classism, death of a loved one
Praise for EMPIRE OF GODS AND BEASTS
​"With a heroine whose courage is sharper than her knives, and a lush Asian-inspired world stretching from desert dunes to imperial cities, Joyce Chua weaves an enchanting tale of political intrigue, ancient magic, and rebellion."
​​​
—Amélie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night and the Blood Heir trilogy
"Filled with magic, mayhem, battles, and romance, Chua has crafted a wildly entertaining tale for the ages in Children of the Desert trilogy. Her compelling characters take us through the intricately built fantasy setting, from the deep desert to shadow cities, as they explore the powerful magic and myths of the world. An atmospheric, imaginative series perfect for genre fans of all ages."
— Tanvi Berwah, author of Monsters Born and Made
"Joyce spins an enchanting tale of magic, vengeance and romance in this new Asian fantasy world. Brilliantly written with compelling characters, this book is one you’ll find it hard to put down once you pick it up."
​
—Leslie W, author of The Night of Legends
"Joyce Chua is a masterful wordsmith who understands the craft. Be prepared to lose yourself in her words, be sucked into her world, and find yourself a part of this epic journey."
—Ning Cai, author of the Savant Trilogy