First published 2011
Martin conDoin stands watch over Crydee Keep as the kingdom's fighting men march away to answer their king's summons. Only the elderly and young boys remain under his command. Across the sea, something deadly hunts the kingdom's spies in Kesh. Agents vanish without trace, either killed by unknown enemies or turned against their homeland. Intelligence from the Confederacy grows thin and suspect. An ancient foe emerges in changed form, rallying Keshian forces for war. Meanwhile, Pug the magician welcomes new students to train alongside his youngest son. The kingdom fractures under waves of rumor and political chaos. Martin faces an impossible choice between duty to his keep and loyalty to his realm as dark powers gather strength.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, epic-fantasy
Vibes: epic, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family
Setting: Crydee, Kesh
Period: medieval
368 pages · Hardcover · Harper Voyager