The Darkling Hills

As a Nialian princess in the mythical kingdom of Lindalne, Dallena is aware of her responsibility to rule her people and uphold the tenets of the gods. Unfortunately, she falls in love with the Armasii nobleman Rendell, despite the prophecy that the union between a Nialian and an Armasii would lead to the destruction of the empire. When her liaison with Rendell is discovered, the pregnant Dallena is stripped of her title and ordered into exile. Before she can leave, however, she becomes desperately ill. In order to save her life and that of his unborn child, Rendell sacrifices himself to Sanlin, the goddess of pain. Overwhelmed by grief, Dallena is forced into exile just as the war with the Mendales begins. In the midst of the fighting she gives birth to twins, each of whom embody the best characteristic of one parent and who will defy the evil prophecy. Martin's first novel is interesting and imaginative. She avoids the predictable in her characters and plot in order to develop a darkly inspirational tale. (September 18)