The Lilac Plague

The Unchosen, Book 1

By: K. J. Dawson

Narrated by: Erin Lin

Coffee for Two Book Review: Best of Fantasy Authors of 2019 & UTOPiAcon Debut Book Award Nominee

An oath betrayed. A centuries-long curse. A kingdom teetering on the edge of destruction.

In a world of magic, Nicoleta is unremarkable, except for her cursed, stuttering tongue. No special powers, no renowned apprenticeship, just the terrible, stammering aftereffects of the Lilac Plague.

Until she opens a gift from her mother—a ghostly blue vision.

Instead of words of endearment, the vision reveals that Nicoleta's mother was a Guardian entrusted with a magical key—a key so powerful that those who rule will do anything to find it.

The burden of protecting the key now falls to Nicoleta. In a race against the crown, she must find the treasure and the true heir, the only one who can stop the curse from being fulfilled. Impossible? Almost certainly. One false step spells disaster. But Nicoleta is no fool. Where those before her died trying, Nicoleta forges a new path, relying on her wits and some unlikely allies.

Do you dare face the Lilac Plague? This coming of age, young adult fantasy adventure with mysterious magic, evil emperors, and a thread of romance will leave you amazed and clamoring for the next book.

©2019 K.J. Dawson (P)2025 K.J. Dawson

Critic reviews

"Young adult high fantasy at its finest. Kristin J. Dawson gives us a strong heroine who, in a world of magic, learns to lead with intelligence."—Raye Wagner, USA Today Bestselling Author of Magi Rising and The Darkest Drae series

"Immersive and captivating, THE LILAC PLAGUE will send you down fantastical paths with twists you don't see coming."—Kay L Moody, author of The Elements of the Crown

"Adventure, intrigue, and a strong, believable heroine."—Kary English, Hugo and Campbell-nominated author

A good wholesome book about finding your voice and who you are after a crippling tragedy!

First, I wanna start off my thing so many books now are read by AI and there’s so monotone and make it hard to follow, your reader was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the book!