After the storm, there is no calm. After escaping from Meilyan, Miko Ts'ai searches for allies, but there are traitors where she least expects, though she finds a helper in the form of a Levantine exile. Cassandra Marius tries to rid herself of the second soul but loses her body. Her search leads her to the secret of the resurrecting Leo Villius. Declaring himself emperor, Gideon e'Torin faces the intrigues of the Kisyana court. To survive in a foreign land, he changes Levantine traditions, which does not please all of his people. Rah e'Torin learns of a conspiracy against Gideon and is torn between helping Miko and his duty to his people. «The novel definitely deserves your attention, and Madsen is an interesting new author in the fantasy genre». — Mark Lawrence «A complex story filled with war, politics, and a thirst for power». — The Guardian «The book grabs you by the throat and does not let go». — Peter McLean «Fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire series will appreciate the feudal political maneuvering, shifting alliances, and descriptions of battles and their consequences». — Booklist
