Of Monsters and Madness: A Three Kingdoms Novel

By September Thomas

Survive the Trials. Win the Crown. Escape the Past.

Nim Reed has spent her life surviving the streets of Eritris-a kingdom of insect-hybrids. A thief by necessity and a ghost by design, she keeps her head down, her secrets under wraps, and her past buried. Until the day she picks the wrong pocket.

After years at sea, Prince Sebastian Octavius returns to his homeland to stake his claim in the deadly Trials-a brutal contest where nobles wager champions to spar for the throne. He needs a champion to fight on his behalf and for his vision for a brighter future for their country.

Victory means freedom. Losing means exile or death. But as Nim navigates ruthless battles, whispered betrayals, and a growing attraction to the prince with a dreamer's heart, she realizes there's more at stake than her survival. Someone suspects her truths. And in a kingdom built on power and blood, secrets are the deadliest weapon of all.

The Hunger Games meets A Bug's Life in this standalone fantasy romance that blends high-stakes competition, slow-burn romance, and a heroine who will risk everything for her dreams.

Though this novel is noted as the second book in the Three Kingdoms Trilogy, it is a standalone novel and readers do not need to first read Of Dragons and Defiance. The kingdoms featured in the trilogy are linked and Easter eggs are scattered for readers who choose to consume the series.

Three kingdoms on the brink of destruction. Three princes facing down ruinous fates. These are their stories...and those of the women who guided the way to glory.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1734254564
• ISBN13: 9781734254563
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: September Thomas
• Length: 378 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"