The King Must Die
Table of Contents
About The Book
Fen’s world is crumbling. Newearth, a once-promising planet gifted by the all-powerful alien Makers, now suffers from failed terraforming, leaving its people on the brink of collapse. Fen has spent her life working as a mercenary bodyguard for a cunning magistrate, entangled in the politics of the empire that shattered her family. But then her fathers—her last remaining tether to hope—are executed by the ruthless Sovereign, who marks Fen for the same fate.
With nothing left to lose, Fen escapes with a single map and an old quarterstaff, embarking on a dangerous quest to seek out the last remnants of her parents’ rebellion. But the underground insurgents she finds may be even more dangerous than the Sovereign’s army. At the center of it all stands Alekhai, the Sovereign’s heir—a brutal, power-hungry force of destruction. Though he embodies everything Fen despises, his dangerous plans might be the empire’s last chance at survival…or the final push to its doom.
Perfect for fans of fast-paced dystopian adventures, intergalactic intrigue, and morally complex heroes, The King Must Die weaves an unforgettable story of rebellion, survival, and impossible choices. Will Fen save her world—or ensure its destruction?
About The Author
Kemi Ashing-Giwa was born and raised in Southern California, where she grew up on a steady diet of sci-fi and fantasy. She has an undergraduate degree in integrative biology and astrophysics from Harvard University and is currently a PhD student in the Earth and planetary sciences department at Stanford University. She is the author of the novel The Splinter in the Sky and the forthcoming novella This World Is Not Yours.
Product Details
- Publisher: S&S/Saga Press (November 4, 2025)
- Length: 496 pages
- ISBN13: 9781668061022
Raves and Reviews
"Ashing-Giwa demonstrates her master worldbuilding skills in her new dystopian science fantasy, The King Must Die. A stunning, continually surprising novel focused on friendship and the value of resisting autocracy even when it seems hopeless – it’s everything I need right now. It’s WILL OF THE MANY meets BLOOD OVER BRIGHT HAVEN with the earnestness of Becky Chambers."
– Yume Kitasei, Author of The Stardust Grail
"The King Must Die begins as a whisper and swells into a war cry. With every page turned, the book becomes harder to put down... Kemi Ashing-Giwa is a force to be reckoned with, and I’m a fan for life."
– Hana Lee, Author of the Magebike Courier duology
"Filled with complex political intrigue, a scrappy band of found family, and an exploration of power and the sacrifices that go hand-in-hand with it, this book will linger in your mind long after the end."
– T.A. Chan, author of The Celestial Seas and One Last Game
"A bold and refreshing new SF adventure from one of this generation’s writers to watch."
– Kirkus, Starred Review
"Ashing-Giwa’s dystopian sci-fi worldbuilding is staggering, and her heroine proves easy to root for. Readers will be enthralled."
– Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The King Must Die
eBook 9781668061022
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Author Photo (jpg): Kemi Ashing-Giwa Photograph by Ivy Tran(0.1 MB)
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