This bestselling author's second instalment of a dark, addictive and compelling series 'this series may be her best yet' THE AGE The Denova Empire is flourishing under Loethar's rule as he urges the invading people of the Steppes to integrate with the West. But Loethar is bored - as is Leo, the self-proclaimed true king, living in hiding, but eager to claim the Valisar throne. Freath keeps his own secrets while working as sage counsel to the Empire. But when he risks all to contact the rebel, Kilt Faris, his life may be forfeit. A new evil is stirring, and there is only one who knows that the legendary Valisar Enchantment is rising. The wars and destruction of the empire will seem a squabble in comparison to the darkness that threatens ... ∗ ∗ ∗ 'an imaginative world-builder ... brims with complex characters, carefully laid intrigues and hair-raising violence' THE AGE 'adventure epic with a voice of its own ... McIntosh pulls no punches' memorabletv.com