Paladin Cycle

Marion Casterline is the highwarden of Malachite, an ancient, beautiful city floating in a shallow sea. In the aftermath of a brutal gang war, there is finally peace in the city, which gains new life every year through the sacred ritual of Aequora. Through Aequora, exiles, outlaws, and orphans can become citizens of Malachite. This ritual is vital to the city's survival, because Malachite is populated only by males. Jean Rivard grew up in the Zanzare slums at Marion's side. As boys, they were branded into the violent Teschio gangs that ruled the criminal underworld of Malachite. Known in the slums as the Prince, Jean became a spy, an assassin, and Marion's lover. As men, they worked together to destroy the Teschio and crown Kon Sessane as magestros of the city, only to drift apart after the battles were won: Jean to the Black Keep, Marion to the grand halls of the Consolari. When Marion announces his engagement to Kon's son, Jean is hurt and resentful. Marion is leaving him and their past behind in every possible way. Marion also believes that he's starting a new life, but when a charismatic rebel leader kindles a revolt in the slums, he realizes that the only man who can prevent war from devouring the city he loves is his very own prince.

Welcome back to Buckeye, Texas, ya'll! This used to be sweet, sweet home ... but look around now! Place is going straight down the crapper! Might could say the place is goin' to Hell. Amy's getting released from the hospital, but the strange gemstone in her chest still remains pulsing and vibrant. Atticus is behind bars, soon to be brought up on felony charges of impersonating an officer, and several counts of manslaughter ... but he's about to gain a beautiful and sassy partner in crime before going on the run from the long arm of the law. Meanwhile, Elder Rayden Cai is stirring up trouble of his own in the Order of Abel compound too much gypsy brandy perhaps. The special forces of the Paladins - The Aconites - have arrived at the Order of Abel, under Prefect Cauldrick's executive request. But is he sending these elite warriors to their death on a mission that prophecy says only the Twin Warriors can lay victory to? And that crazy Cajun Abe ... he seems to know more than he's lettin' on. Why exactly does he wander the Sacred Oaks woods at all hours of the night? Poor, poor Scooter is about to learn the true identity of his one and only friend Zack, and their bonds will be tighter than ever.