First published 1985
Lyeth serves as the Rider, carrying official proclamations across the frozen provinces of a troubled realm. She arrives in the remote borderlands with momentous news: the despised Lord who rules their land lies on his deathbed. While the people celebrate the approaching end of their tyrant's reign, the high castle becomes a nest of scheming pretenders who murder and betray each other in their scramble for power. Each claimant breaks sacred vows and spills blood to advance their cause. Lyeth finds herself caught between her sworn duty as a messenger and the deadly political forces tearing the kingdom apart. The conspirators threaten not only her mission but her survival as she struggles to protect what remains of her country's future and her own principles in a world where loyalty has become a dangerous burden.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, political-thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: duty-bound-protagonist, moral-dilemma, power-struggle
Setting: Frozen Provinces, Remote Borderlands, High Castle
Period: Troubled Realm
Paperback · Ultramarine Pub Co
Content warnings: violence