Kings of This World

Book Author Elizabeth Knox
Rights Available World ex Australia and NZ

When Vex and her friends are kidnapped and held to ransom, it sets off a terrifying chain of twists and turns as they struggle to survive and to work out how to escape.

Vex is used to people being afraid of her power, the ability to persuade others to do what she wants.

But when she arrives at a new school, it is packed with people who have the same power, and who might even like her.

There is her roommate Ronnie, a coolheaded high achiever; and Ronnie’s friend Taye, who is recovering from a brain injury. There is witty, lordly Hannu, whose father happens to be a billionaire. And then there’s Ari: troubled, blessed, honourable, terrifying Ari.

Vex is enchanted by her new friends when, five weeks into term one, they are kidnapped.

They find themselves chained in the basement of an abandoned factory, trying to figure out how to escape, all the while tormented by questions like: Why were they taken? Why do the kidnappers seem to hate Vex, and at the same time want to recruit her?

Can Vex and her friends save themselves? And if they do, will they ever feel safe again? What kind of reckoning will they face afterwards? And will Vex once again feel responsible for all the bad things that happened?

Awards

The Spinoff Best Books 2025 ‘a heady heartrace of a novel.’
NZ Listener 50 Best Books for Children & Young Adults 2025
Auckland Council Libraries Top 10 for Teens 2025

About the Author

Elizabeth Knox is one of New Zealand’s leading writers. She is the author of fourteen novels, most recently Kings of this World, three autobiographical novellas and a collection of personal essays. Her best-known books are The Vintner’s Luck; young adult novels Dreamhunter, Dreamquake, Mortal Fire and The Absolute Book. She is the recipient of many awards and fellowships.

Elizabeth was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2020. She lives in Wellington.