Meticulously plannedaction . . . another megafantasy along the lines of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time.

Plenty of adventure and magic.., continues Robert Newcomb's tradition of mixing adventure with an interesting and well-realized magical world.

The defeat and death of the evil Wulfgar should inspire a time of rejoicing throughout Eutracia. But Prince Tristan grieves. Not only is his beloved wife dead, but across the Sea of Whispers, in the island fortress known as the Citadel, Wulfgar's bride, the sorceress Serena,plots to continue her husband's nefarious plans. Though the ranks of Tristan's soldiers were decimated in recent battle, the prince nevertheless plans a bold surprise attack. Then, on the eve of the mission,disaster strikes: Xanthus, a powerful warrior of a mystical martial art,launches a reign of terror against Eutracia's innocent subjects, compelling Tristan to enter a mysterious realm in order to save them. And Shailiha, Tristan's sister, now must lead the fleet of Black Ships against the Citadel, where Serena prepares to cast a dark spell powerful enough to defeat death itself.

PART I The Darkling

PART II The Fledglings

PART III The Envoys

PART IV The HIighlanders

PART V The Pon Q'tar

PART VI The Mother and Chil

Epilogue