First published 2001
Alix carries the blood of two worlds in her veins. Her Cheysuli heritage marks her as dangerous in the kingdom of Homana, where her shapeshifting people face persecution after one of their own kidnapped a princess. The Cheysuli once served the crown faithfully, taking wolf and falcon forms to protect the realm with their magic. Now they hide as outcasts in their own land while crowds shout "Demons! Shapeshifters!" at their backs. Alix feels the pull of her ancestry when she connects with the Lirs, those mystical creatures that house Cheysuli souls. Her abilities grow stronger as political winds shift in Homana. When her powers help place a new ruler on the throne, the scattered Cheysuli glimpse a chance to reclaim their lost honor. Alix must navigate between her human and magical sides as her people's future hangs in the balance.
Genres: historical-fiction, fantasy, magic, historical-fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family
Setting: Homana
Period: medieval
349 pages · Paperback
Content warnings: violence