First published 2009
Cazaril arrives at the castle where he once served as a page, his body and spirit shattered by betrayal and imprisonment. The noble family assigns him to tutor Royesse Iselle, the headstrong sister of the heir to Chalion's throne. Cazaril accepts reluctantly, knowing this role will eventually take him to the royal court at Cardegoss. There his former enemies now hold positions of power, the same people who destroyed his life and left him in chains. But personal vendettas become secondary when Cazaril discovers that something far more dangerous threatens Iselle and her family. A malevolent curse grips the entire House of Chalion like a stranglehold. To save his royal student, Cazaril must turn to the most dangerous and forbidden magical practices. This choice will transform him into an instrument of divine power, but it will also ensnare him in a deadly labyrinth where demonic forces create impossible contradictions that could destroy him.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, fantasy, magic
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forbidden-magic, redemption
Setting: Cardegoss, Chalion
Period: medieval
512 pages · Kindle Edition · HarperCollins e-books
Content warnings: violence