Synopsis

In a land steeped in ancient magic and political turmoil, the half-mad Prince Boleso is brutally slain by the Lady Ijada, whom he intended to violate. Lord Ingrey kin Wilfcliff, a man burdened by his own dark, animalistic curse, is charged with the grim task of escorting Boleso's body to its burial site and delivering Ijada to judgment—a path almost certainly leading to her execution. As the Hallow King's death looms and the kingdom teeters on the brink of a succession crisis, their perilous journey forces an unlikely alliance. Ingrey, tormented by a monstrous malevolence within, finds himself increasingly reliant on his enigmatic prisoner, Ijada, who may hold the key not only to his own salvation but also to understanding the profound, unsettling destiny thrust upon him by gods, the damned, and the dead. Their entwined fates will unravel a conspiracy that could reshape the very spiritual fabric of the land.

Critical Reception

"This standalone fantasy novel is lauded for its intricate world-building, deep character psychology, and masterful blending of epic adventure with poignant themes of sacrifice and redemption, solidifying Lois McMaster Bujold's status as a contemporary fantasy luminary."

Metadata

ISBN:9780061795978
Pages:455
Age Rating:16+

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