"An absolute triumph--Weymouth expertly blends politics, romance, and deep, profound meditations on motherhood into an intricate tale." --Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author The Priory of the Orange Tree meets Black Sun in the thrilling launch of a political fantasy duology following three people--a refugee, a heretic queen, and a priest--as they attempt to shape the fortunes of a continent shattered by war. Two centuries ago, the Inver clan conquered the nation of Honoria, ushering in an era of blood. Now, after a period of fragile peace, a king's whims may reignite the engines of war.
At the last stronghold of Honoria's sun goddess, Fia, a young postulant, seeks safety for her child, but the price of the cloister's protection will tear her from what she loves most and thrust her into a deadly game of deception.
Within the Inver's mountain fortress, Ariana is known as the apostate queen after abandoning her faith for a king. But old loyalties aren't easily severed. Ariana treads a dangerous path, striving for peace in a court made for conquest.
And deep in the heart of the mountain, the Inver Priest bides his time with small acts of rebellion. Blinded in the fight for the throne, he harbors a bitter grudge--one that could lead to Honoria's ruin or renewal.
Amid a landscape of enemies, allies, and intrigue, three lives intertwine. Each will have to risk the wrath of gods and kings to alter the course of nations.
"At once achingly sweet and lavishly dark, Weymouth deftly weaves a tale of war, love, sacrifice and devotion." --H. M. Long The Daughters of Light The Castle & the Cloister
