Second in the SF/fantasy trilogy by the author of Stormwarden : “Reminiscent of Andre Norton’s Witch World . . . Wurts writes with creativity and passion.” — Fantasy Literature

With Kiethland restored to precarious peace, Taen Dreamweaver and Jaric, the sole heir to Ivain Firelord, have thwarted the demons’ initial bid to exterminate humanity. But the threat remains in the precarious charge of the Stormfalcon’s feather and the Keys to Elrinfaer that imprison the ravenous Mharg. Both must be restored to Anskiere, still trapped in his prison of ice. His release will depend upon Jaric’s mastery of the Cycle of Fire, the sorcerous challenge that drove his father to madness.

Both Taen and Jaric must prevail against Taen’s brother, Emien, fallen to demons and overridden by alien desires that ravage his spirit. With Emien the perfect pawn shaped for Kiethland’s downfall, his overlords feed his insatiable hatred with power for one purpose only: to hunt down and slay the Firelord’s heir and the sister whose gentler talent defends him.

Praise for Janny Wurts

“With each new book it becomes more and more obvious how important Janny Wurts is to contemporary fantasy.” —Guy Gavriel Kay

“A gifted creator of wonders.” —Raymond E. Feist

“Janny Wurts brings an artist’s eye for detail and mood to the field of fantasy writing.” —Robert Lynn Asprin

“A great natural storyteller.” —L. Sprague de Camp