"Nirrim, I can't be good to you."
"Then be bad."

Nirrim lives in a world where crime abounds and a harsh tribunal rules. Society's pleasures are reserved for the High Kith and life in the Ward is grim - where people of her low status are forbidden sweets or wearing colours. The only rule: follow the law, or pay a tithe and suffer the consequences.
Nirrim keeps her head down, and a dangerous secret close to her heart.

A rakish traveller finds her, whispering rumours that the High Kith possess magic. Sid tempts Nirrim to seek that power for herself. To do that, Nirrim must surrender her old life and place her trust in this sly stranger who asks nothing but not to be trusted.

Set in the world of The Winner's Trilogy, The Midnight Lie is an epic LGBTQ+ fantasy about learning to free ourselves from the lies others tell us - and the lies we tell ourselves.

PRAISE FOR MARIE RUTKOSKI FROM FELLOW AUTHORS:
'Utterly immersive' Roshani Chokshi
'Gorgeous writing' Sarah Beth Durst
'Masterfully plotted' Kristin Cashore

TROPES
Slow-burn sapphic romance 💜🫥💗
Grumpy x sunshine 😠 ☀
Forced proximity 🔒 🤌
Dystopian setting 🤖

READERS LOVE IT: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Marie Rutkoski, you are EVIL. In a good way'
'I'm honestly at a loss for words'
'This book = pure perfection'
'Just...READ THIS BOOK!'