Court intrigue and ancient magic stir up old ghosts as well as deadly mystery in Sagara's engaging second fantasy novel (after Cast in Shadow
). As a Hawk serving the Halls of Law in Imperial capital Elantra, Kaylin Neya wishes she could ignore her strange tattoos—especially the glyph on her cheek, a Barrani rune loosely translated as "Consort," placed there by the lord of her former fief, outcaste Barrani Lord Nightshade. Those glyphs and their wild magic have gotten her into trouble before—enough that both the Lord of Hawks and the Imperial Order of Mages demand she learn to control her growing magical talent or be kicked out of the Hawks. Before this news can sink in, however, Kaylin is dragged into a dangerous plot after she heals the younger son of the Barrani Lord of the High Court. Kaylin thus earns the Lord's gratitude, but she also becomes a target for those who would bring down the High Court itself. Readers will embrace this compelling, strong-willed heroine with her often sarcastic voice. (Aug.)
