by James Enge
First published 2009
The Ontilian Empire's throne sits empty centuries after Uthar the Great's death. Lord Urdhven has murdered his brother-in-law, the late emperor, and now serves as Protector to the rightful heir, young King Lathmar VII. Urdhven plots to eliminate anyone blocking his path to absolute power, including the boy king himself and his formidable ancestress, Ambrosia Viviana. When enemies accuse Ambrosia of witchcraft and force her into trial by combat, she calls upon her brother Morlock Ambrosius for aid. Morlock arrives as a masterful swordsman, magical maker, and confirmed drunkard without a homeland. The siblings take their positions as royal ministers and wage war against the Protector and his mysterious backer. Their magical and political battles mean nothing unless Lathmar discovers his own courage and claims his birthright as true ruler of the empire.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Ontilian Empire
Period: Centuries After Uthar the Great's Death
401 pages · Paperback · Pyr