First published 2013
Duke Hal of Crydee has rescued Princess Stephane from Roldem, but his troubles have only begun. The Kingdom of the Isles bleeds from civil war while the throne sits empty. Rival claimants gather their forces, each seeking to seize power before the Congress of Lords can properly anoint a rightful king. Hal must rally the ancient realm's defenses and prevent the crown from falling to whoever proves strongest in battle. Yet mortal conflicts pale beside the danger stirring in the Grey Towers Mountains. Something alien to this world awakens there, threatening everything Hal fights to protect. The crisis forces bitter enemies to become allies. Elves must join with humans they have long mistrusted. Ancient champions must take up arms once more. Dragons must soar into battle again. The mages Pug and Magnus face a choice that could cost them everything, for only their greatest sacrifice might preserve Midkemia itself from total destruction.
Genres: adventure, fantasy, action, epic-fantasy
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: ancient-champions, enemies-to-allies, found-family
Setting: Congress of Lords, Crydee, Grey Towers Mountains, Kingdom of the Isles, Roldem
Period: Civil War
576 pages · Hardcover · HarperCollins US