Welcome back to Fantasy Friday!

A murdered empress. A missing emperor. Mairynne Evangale called them Mother, Father.

The country mourns while rumors of unrest stir. The sorcery castes struggle for power and the casteless riot in the streets. Conflict hadn’t escalated this rapidly in Nantai since the Ryū Wars more than five ages past.

The people need a new imperial leader. Mairynne’s soul yearns for many things, but she never wished for the duty her Father assigned.

She carries two soul stones, one cold and the other hot. They came to her with the loss of each parent. They call to her, beckoning her to leave home. They reinforce her convictions . . . Her father lives. He will return to his seat upon the Serpentine Throne.

But first, she must answer the call.

Why I love this book: The more I read indie authors, the more I realize how barren physical bookstores and libraries are because they are bereft of these talented scribes! What wonderful world building in this grand tale! It has engaging people and plot and intriguing culture, rituals, and magical systems. It concerns having the courage to follow your heart to do what you think is best despite fears, doubts, and opposition. It is about hope because despair is only for those who know the outcome beyond doubt. Hope survives, and even though I haven’t yet read the rest of this 5-part series, I believe hope will be rewarded. Looking forward to reading more! 

Buy the entire series in one volume.

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Have you read this book? What did you think?