The Seer

Lyris (Dark Descents) populates this solidly entertaining sword-and-sorcery adventure with characters who are often frustratingly slow to reach obvious conclusions. Young Amarta and her stubbornly protective older sister have been rootless and impoverished since their parents died. They have only one advantage: Amarta is a true seer. But when she predicts the future for a man who demands answers in the dead of a winter night, Amarta finds herself embroiled in delicate politics of succession and rule in the expansionist Arunkel empire. As she grows and learns the nature of her power, the political plotting and power jockeying in the capital threaten to plunge the empire into bloody chaos. To protect her family and prevent a war, Amarta must work for the man who pursued her, though he’s astonishingly reluctant to believe a word she says. The mages who appear as allies for Amarta and her enemies are charming side characters who threaten to steal the show. Agent: Donald Maass, Donald Maass Literary Agency. (Mar.)