Seven Deadly Thorns by Amber Hamilton

Viola Sinclair has spent years surviving by concealment. In Aragoa, shadow magic is a crime punishable by death, and her power must never be seen. When the Queen finds out Viola’s secret, she doesn’t hesitate—Viola is marked for execution.

The task falls to Roze Roquelart, a privileged prince and elite student at Vandenberghe Academy. Bound by a deadly curse etched into his skin, Roze has seven days to carry out the assassination. Each thorn burned into his arm counts down the time he has left. Failure means his own life will be forfeit.

But killing Viola isn’t as simple as Roze expects. She possesses something he desperately needs, and the price of that knowledge is her survival. Forced to work together, the two are drawn into a web of secrets, sinister threats and an irresistible attraction neither is prepared for.

As Aragoa teeters on the brink of collapse, Viola and Roze must decide whether trust is possible between enemies and whether saving each other could be the key to restoring a kingdom lost to darkness.

Age Recommendation: Young Adult (15–18+)
Seven Deadly Thorns is best suited for older teen and young adult readers (roughly 15–18+), as it’s published under a YA imprint and features dark fantasy, enemies-to-lovers romance, and themes common in young adult dark academia and romantasy.