The city of Skyvale's problems have reached the palace. Told from the perspective of Tobiah, the crown prince with a dangerous secret, and set two years before the heart-racing action of The Orphan Queen, this 100-page digital novella brings to life one of Jodi Meadows's most beloved characters.

Tobiah Pierce is no longer simply a prince. He wanted to be more and do more after he watched his tutor's brutal murder and uncovered a plot that threatens the safety of Skyvale. With the help of his cousin, James, and the guidance of a girl who knows her way around the city's rooftops, Tobiah is gaining confidence in his new role. He can no longer be just a witness to the evils occurring in his city, but is he willing to risk his reputation—and maybe even his life—to make things right?

The Burning Hand is the third of four prequel novellas that offer existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the complex city of Skyvale, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the heart-pounding fantasy of the Orphan Queen series.

Epic Reads Impulse is a digital imprint with new releases each month.

Crown Prince with a Secret: By day, he’s Tobiah Pierce, heir to the throne. By night, he prowls the rooftops of Skyvale, a masked figure fighting the corruption his father can’t see.
High-Stakes Political Intrigue: A powerful lord in the king’s court is flooding the city with a dangerous magical drug. To stop him, Tobiah must navigate a web of lies without revealing his own identity.
Fast-Paced Action: Featuring tense rooftop chases, desperate brawls with city gangs, and deadly magical threats that will test the prince’s courage to its limit.
Fantasy Series Prequel: The perfect entry point for new readers and a must-read for fans of The Orphan Queen, this novella reveals the events that shaped one of the series’ most beloved characters.