Dive into the history of Maxim Maresh, the stern king and adoptive father of Kell from the Shades of Magic trilogy, from the pen of New York Times #1 bestselling author V.E. Schwab herself! Two hundred years have passed since the Worlds were magically sealed off from one another. Red London, the capital of Arnes, thrives under the rule of the Maresh Empire. But when King Nokil Maresh learns that his son, Prince Maxim, is fixated on other Londons instead of his own, he sends him on a dangerous military excursion in the hope of focusing the Prince's attention. Maxim's destination? Verose – better known as the Blood Coast – a dangerous port city with a reputation for trouble. Within minutes of his arrival, he's faced with crooks, thieves, con artists and brawlers… Worse, the infamous pirate queen Arisa, feared by outlaws and soldiers alike, has just pulled into port. Beautifully illustrated by Andrea Olimpieri (Dishonored) and expertly colored by Enrica Eren Angiolini (Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor), this thrilling, never-before-told story reveals the secrets of one of the most compelling characters in modern fantasy!