Heaven's Needle

Merciel's impressive second novel of Ithelas (after 2010's The River Kings' Road) stands on its own as a page-turning high fantasy that tackles some tough questions about good and evil. In order to save her companion Kelland from the dungeons of Ang'arta, Bitharn must free the Thornlord Malentir from Heaven's Needle, Cailan's most secure prison. The task is physically easy for Bitharn, but she struggles with the knowledge that she is committing high treason. Once the deed is done, instead of making a quick, painless exchange of prisoners and going their separate ways, Bitharn, Kelland, and Malentir learn of an evil plot that they must overcome together. Major and secondary characters face numerous questions of faith and impossible choices as the plot becomes ever more layered, drawing readers deeply into an enthralling world of magic, politics, and battle. (May)