War is coming, secrets multiply and betrayal waits in the wings...
The Annurian Empire's ruling family must be vigilant, as the conspiracy against them deepens. Having discovered her father's assassin, Adare flees the Dawn Palace in search of allies. But few trust her, until she seems marked by the people's goddess in an ordeal of flame.
As Adare struggles to unite Annur, unrest breeds rival armies - then barbarian hordes threaten to invade. And unknown to Adare, her brother Valyn has fallen in with forces mustering at the empire's borders. The terrible choices they face could make war between them inevitable.
Fighting his own battles is their brother Kaden, rightful heir to the Unhewn Throne, who has infiltrated the Annurian capital with two strange companions. While imperial forces prepare to defend a far-distant front, Kaden's actions could save the empire, or destroy it.
PRAISE FOR THE SERIES
"A vividly imagined story of conspiracy and empire" Col Buchanan
"Following in the footsteps of George R. R. Martin, Joe Abercrombie and the like . . . Brutal, intriguing and continuing to head toward exciting events and places unknown" Kirkus
"I loved every second of it ... As more and more people discover what a talent Staveley has for creating a full, immerseive, magical and exciting world, with characters to match, his popularity will soar." Fantasy-Fiction.com
"A complex and fast-moving fantasy set in a world where treachery and intrigue are everywhere" L. E. Modesitt, Jr