Firebrand

More about the book

Zachary Davriel Hillander, High King of Sacoridia, reflects on the sacrifices he has made for his realm, including his freedom to love. When an embassy from Eletia proposes a mission to find an old ally in the north, he is dismayed to learn that the chosen Sacoridian to accompany their guide is Karigan G'ladheon, the woman he loves but cannot have. Karigan has just returned from a grim future where Sacoridia is under a tyrant's rule, and she is still recovering from her trauma while being haunted by castle ghosts. Despite his reluctance to send her away, Zachary recognizes her as the best candidate for the mission. Their journey north brings them closer to enemy territory, where the forces of the Second Empire, led by the necromancer Grandmother, pose a significant threat. She unleashes a wild elemental spirit to attack Zachary and his wife, Queen Estora. Although they initially fend off the creature, it abducts Zachary, taking his form and place beside Estora. Left alone and pregnant with twins, Estora must prepare for the impending conflict from her bedchamber. Meanwhile, Karigan and her companions face escalating dangers as they venture north. When caught in a battle, Karigan must rescue her king before falling into a deadly trap set by Grandmother, which could grant the Second Empire the power to control the dead and unleash hellish demons.