Victory for the Shadari rebels has come at a terrible price. Hardship, superstition and a murderous cabal poison King Daryan's young regime, but help is nowhere to be found: the mercenary who led their rebellion has vanished, their Nomas allies have troubles of their own, and the Norlanders who returned home to plead or fight for the Shadari's independence have found themselves embroiled in the court politics of an empire about to implode.
As the foundations of the two far-flung countries begin to crack, an enigmatic figure watches from a tower room in Ravindal Castle. She is old, and a prisoner, but her reach is long, and her patience is about to be rewarded . . .
Read MoreA truly exciting debut that suggests this is just the tip of a potential "fantasy classic" iceberg - Fantasy Book ReviewEngaging, and addictive . . . Manieri is a strong new voice in fantasy, and definitely one to watch in the future - Civilian ReaderPicture the fluent prose and flawless world-building of an author such as Trudi Canavan combined with the epic plot and character lists of an author like [George R R] Martin and you won't be far off - Fantasy-Faction