Red Queen meets Divergent in this fast-paced dystopian fantasy debut—packed with love triangles, betrayal, and a heroine who must risk everything to survive.

In the Empire of Shariza, eye colour determines everything. Wealth, status and even magical powers.

To the rest of the world, Jantsia’s blue eyes mark her as Azure – the lowest of the oculary castes, destined for servitude.

But she is hiding the truth. Jantsia is really a forbidden mix of two castes, forced to live a lie and clinging to one simple rule to stay alive: be invisible.

With whispers of rebellion spreading through the empire and discontent growing, Jantsia reckons with her place in a society that would see her dead. Can she harness her untapped powers to join the fight and seize her freedom? Or will her long-kept secret finally be her undoing?

Daughter of Light has some potential content warnings, including sexual grooming (past), sibling/infant death (past), racism and discrimination, threatened torture and death, and characters in peril. Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note.

Previously published as THE GIRL WITH THE FIERCE EYES

'Explosive world-building, gripping characters, and razor-sharp stakes – this dystopian gem is an unforgettable blend of tension and heart' Morgan Shamy, best-selling author of The Stricken

'Stamps a blazing mark with its thrilling pace, fascinating magic system, and powerful exploration of self-discovery. Vahdati's richly imagined debut is a book as fierce as its title.' Kiera Azar, author of Thorn Season

'Shines with a richly-imagined world, gritty settings, and characters who leap off the page. This fantasy tackles issues that are sharply relevant to our world today. Sophia Vahdati is an author to watch!’ Elly Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Forest King's Daughter

'Brilliantly imagined and full of life, […] a wonderful read.’ Helen Glynn Jones, author of The Last Raven

‘An emotional story about belonging, rebellion, and identity contrasted by deception, secrets, and lies.’ K. N. Milde, author of Those Who Survive

'Wow wow wow, this book was INCREDIBLE. I already know this is going to be one of my top reads of the year.’ ★★★★★

'Wow. The ending. That did surprise me. I do hope there is more to come.’ ★★★★★

’The magic and caste system was fantastic. The idea that your place in the hierarchy is dependent on your eye colour and corresponding power was so well done.’ ★★★★★

'Immersive, empowering, and insightful.’ ★★★★★

‘This was a really well built world with hover bikes, a criminal underworld and a rebellion. The perfect introduction to the dystopian genre.’ ★★★★★

’Sophia Vahdati did an amazing job creating a world that has magic, political intrigue and betrayal. I loved this book and can’t wait for book 2!!’ ★★★★