Sixteen-year-old Cadence was born with the ability to cry tears of diamonds–a secret talent her parents have abused to climb the royal ranks thanks to the infinite source of wealth. At their command, she cries diamonds to pay for the pricey treatments for her sister’s neuromuscular disorder. Regardless of the pain, she’ll do anything for her sister, who weakens by the day.

When the prince heckles Cadence at the King’s Summer Solstice Ball about her sister’s disability while dancing in the ballroom, she’s left on the verge of tears, threatening to expose her power. She is saved by a mysteriously charming girl who sweeps in to take the next dance—and the single diamond Cadence cried. The stranger reveals the Magi Queen sent her to tell Cadence that she’s a mage, and that her power is a curse.

Yearning to discover the secrets behind her powers, Cadence sets off for the City of Magi. To claim the life she wants, Cadence must embrace her power—before she loses the bright spots in her otherwise sad existence. After all, even diamonds can shatter.

With war between Unremarkables and the magi looming on the horizon, time is running out for the Everyfolk to train their forces to protect the innocent and stop the bloodshed.

Before the fighting breaks out, Cadence must learn to master her promised multi-colored abilities. But with every clear diamond tear shed, Cadence wonders if her power—and herself—is worth anything at all.

Having now reunited with two members of her old gang, the Prowlers, Raven struggles to balance her new relationship with her love of thievery. Can Raven discover what she truly wants out of life?

Allegra has been cleared for combat, but her neuromuscular disorder still produces debilitating flare-ups. Training to wield a weapon might prove too much for Allegra, but she refuses to give up without a fight.

Despite love and loss complicating every turn, Cadence, Raven, and Allegra must prove they have what it takes to step out of the shadows and defend their new home.