When Madeline, a teen with terminal lung disease, accepts healing in exchange for a year of service in the Sunlit Lands, she and her friend Jason enjoy being privileged members of Elenil society, until they learn that magic carries a high price.
The Sunlit Lands Series
This series plunges young protagonists into a world of magic and hidden costs, where privilege and kindness often mask a darker reality. The narratives explore themes of sacrifice, maturation, and moral complexity as characters navigate intricate societal rules. Readers will be captivated by the richly imagined setting and the compelling conflicts that challenge the very nature of good and evil.
Recommended Reading Order
- 1
- 2
The Heartwood Crown
- 418 pages
- 15 hours of reading
The narrative centers on Madeline's struggle as her health declines after destroying the Crescent Stone, compelling her to return to the Sunlit Lands alongside Shula and Yenil. As they face a dire situation where the magic sustaining their world is failing, Jason, Darius, and the inhabitants battle for survival. The story intertwines themes of sacrifice and resilience, showcasing Matt's signature humor and epic storytelling as Madeline's return holds the potential to save the land and its people.