Part of Emberverse, book 12
First published 2015
Princess Órlaith, heir to the High Kingdom of Montival, forms an alliance with Reiko, Empress of Japan, to locate the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, the fabled Grass-Cutting Sword. This legendary weapon grants courage and triumph to whoever wields it. Órlaith knows the weight of such power. Her father Rudi Mackenzie carried the Sword of the Lady, yet it could not prevent his murder. Now she must venture into the treacherous Valley of Death to claim the ancient blade. The quest grows more perilous as enemies gather strength across the realm. Queen Mathilda fears her daughter's mission threatens Montival itself. Factions that once served the crown now question their allegiance after the king's death. Whispers of betrayal spread through the kingdom while hostile forces mass beyond its borders. The Malevolence that drives their enemies marshals every weapon to stop Órlaith and Reiko. As the two future rulers face supernatural dangers and political upheaval, they must decide whether the legendary sword is worth the price of war.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, political-machinations, quest
Setting: Montival, Valley of Death, Japan
Period: Medieval, Ancient
624 pages · Hardcover · Ace