First published 2009
Tiercel Rolfort discovers High Magic exists and realizes he must learn it to save the world. His lifelong friend Harrier Gillain continues protecting Tiercel from trouble, but now faces attacks from Bisochim, a rogue Wild Mage hiding in the desert. Harrier is destined to become the first Knight-Mage in a thousand years, though he hates the killing that role demands. Deep in the desert, Bisochim works to restore Darkness and fix the Balance, believing this will win back his dragon Saravasse's love. The desert tribes follow Bisochim's teachings about the damaged Balance. Young Zanattar leads warriors to destroy those who won't help repair it. Only Shaiara's tribe resists the call to war, seeking peace in mythical desert lands hidden from magical detection. When the black dragon Ancaladarf drops two exhausted warriors at Shaiara's camp, she joins Tiercel and Harrier in their desperate search for a way to stop both Bisochim and Zanattar. The boys have been Mages for only a few months, making their task seem impossible.
Genres: adventure, fantasy, epic-fantasy, high-fantasy
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Desert, Mythical Desert Lands
455 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Tor Fantasy