The Storm Crow (The Storm Crow, #1)(93)

Very open, straightforward, and trusting

Family-focused with an emphasis on sharing Illucia

Capital: Sordell

Ruled by:

Queen Razel Rulcet

Crown Prince Ericen Rulcet

King Gavilan Rulcet—deceased (killed in the Last Crow War) Queen Ranielle Rulcet—deceased (killed in the Last Crow War) Princess Kashel Rulcet—deceased (killed in the Last Crow War) Prince Consort Celin Inastra—deceased (killed in the Last Crow War) Environment

Located in the West

Cold, cloudy weather, with winter snowfall and frequent rain Vast green grasslands and rolling hills with numerous lakes and small rivers Religion

Illucians pray to Rhett, a god they worship through bloodshed and war, which is heavily ingrained into society Many willingly give their blood during prayer as a sacrifice to Rhett Economy

Supported by conquered nations (Jindae and the Ambriels) which provide food and raw materials and are highly taxed Once exported weapons, armor, fine horses, wool products, and meat, but no longer trades with other kingdoms Culture

Conniving, manipulative, and power-hungry

Very militaristic and focused on honor, status, and strength The Ambriel Islands

Capital: Seahalla

Ruled by:

Illucia

Previously ruled by the high council, which consisted of representatives elected from the noble houses The leader of the council, Kovan Castair, remains a figurehead Part of Seahalla is also under the influence of the Drexel crime family Environment

Located off the western Illucian and Rhodairen coasts Mild weather with frequent fog and occasional high winds Surrounded by dormant sea volcanoes

Religion

Ambriellans pray to Duren, the god who rules the sea by day, attending temple whenever they choose, often to pray for safe travels on the sea for themselves or family They also believe in Duren’s sister, the goddess known as Diah, the Night Captain, who rules the sea at night More superstitious than religious when it comes to daily practice, for example carrying rope tied in different knots for luck, or happiness, or safety Economy

Exports large amounts of seafood, ships, products made from the coral surrounding the islands, whiskey, oil, and sona lamps Culture

Very giving, with a focus on community and sharing food and belongings Easygoing and peaceful

Korovi

Capital: Vashka

Ruled by:

An elected government of only noblewomen, led by Vokana Mirkova Environment

Located in the North

Covered in snow almost year-round, save for the thaw during the summer months Lots of mountains and thick pine forests

Religion

The Korovi pray to the goddess Lokane, who is served by her priestesses, which are made up of the noblewomen, believed to be daughters of the goddess The right to lead the Korovi government is considered goddess-granted Economy

Korovi trades very little with other kingdoms Occasionally exports animal products, work animals, and is rumored to have recently discovered oil in their mountains Culture

Extremely isolationist

Straightforward, unforgiving, and orderly

Jindae

Capital: Shalron

Ruled by:

Illucia

King Kycyra Kura—deceased (killed when Illucia invaded) Queen Seyfyer Kura—deceased (killed when Illucia invaded) Crown Princess Elkona Kura—rumored to have survived assassination Heavily influenced by the leaders of each Guild prior to Illucian invasion Environment

Located east of the Ardrahan Sea

Vast golden grasslands and forested valleys Four distinct seasons, tending toward dry and warm Religion

The Jin believe art and religion are one; they worship creation of new, beautiful, and creative things Economy

Divided into several guilds, such as artist, gem, hunter, agriculture Large exporter of precious stones, jewelry, metal, wood, and glass, as well as seafood and grain Culture

Extremely resilient, hardworking, people who are very good at dedicating themselves to something and mastering it Trendell

Capital: Eselin

Ruled by:

King Calren Rebane

Queen Luhara Rebane

Crown Prince Seren Rebane

Prince Kuren Rebane

Princess Kashna Rebane

Environment

Located in the Southeast

Hot, dry, with golden hills and scattered woods Religion

While the Trendellans have a vast array of myths, including many lost legends regarding the Sellas, religion plays little role in their day-to-day lives, with their focus on science and knowledge Economy

Large exporter of wine, chocolate, and new technology, as well as rare spices, ingredients, and historical information Culture

Very intelligent, wise, and learned

Peaceful, curious, kind





Acknowledgments


This book wouldn’t exist without the help of so many amazing people.

To my mom and dad, for all the love, support, and opportunities you’ve given me. Thank you for always believing in me.

To my Guillotine Queens: Alyssa Coleman, Sam Farkas, Jessica James, Tracy Badua, Jessica Cooper, Brittney Singleton, Kat Enright, Jenn Gruenke, Amy Stewart, and Ashley Northup. I couldn’t have made it through this process without all your wisdom, love, and beautiful stories inspiring me every day. Here’s to the beginning of the Guillotine Court—I know you’ll all be here soon.

Thank you to my amazing editor, Annie Berger, for all her hard work and dedication, and for answering my constant emails and questions. Her vision for The Storm Crow took this book to the next level.