"The shadows are coming." Months after the tremors that shook the world, repercussions of battle still lie in Xayall's broken streets. Among the debris stands Bayer, former bodyguard to Faria, Empress of the city-state. His position redundant, and his injuries still healing, he struggles to find new purpose. Unrest between nations is already stirring. A Councilor from Andarn has been murdered, and only a handful realise that sinister machinations are blackening the root of the whole continent. Questioning his duties, Bayer finds himself escorting Captain Alaris on a mission from which neither may return, although their failure may spark a brutal and catastrophic war. As blades rise, threats both new and old emerge from the darkness and bare their teeth at the world... Once again set in the world of Eeres, Hugo delves deep into the hearts and minds of those within the story, revealing the strengths even they are reluctant to acknowledge. Fast-paced, but with breathing room for wonderfully developed characters, and the promise of hope vanquishing hate, this piece of fantasy deserves to be on the shelf of young and old readers alike.
