Across a Star-Swept Sea

Book excerpt: From Rampant and Ascendant author Diana Peterfreund comes this thrilling companion to For Darkness Shows the Stars. Centuries after wars nearly destroyed civilization, Persis Blake's world is once again in the throes of rebellion. For Persis, her public life is that of a socialite, filled with parties and ball gowns. But while she seems to be a frivolous aristocrat, inside Persis beats the heart of a spy—the same heart that is falling for the enemy, Justen Helo. Persis's heart belongs to Justen, but before she can tell him the truth, she discovers he has a secret as well—one that could plunge their tropical paradise into another dark age. And Persis realizes she's not just risking her heart, she's risking the world she's sworn to protect. Across a Star-Swept Sea is a romantic, science-fictional reimagining of the classic The Scarlet Pimpernel.