The Price of Valor

Wexler's third Shadow Campaigns military fantasy (after The Shadow Throne) moves the ascent of General Janus bet Vhalnich forward while increasing concerns that he might have a hidden agenda. The land of Vordan is both at war and dealing with threats from within. A bomb nearly goes off under Queen Raesina; she'd have survived, thanks to the demon that protects her, but that revelation would be devastating to her reign, so Vhalnich assigns Marcus d'Ivoire to guard Raesina while she pretends to leave the city. Winter Ihernglass, still disguised as a man, is leading the Girls' Own, the all-female regiment of the army, but her orders from Vhalnich may damage her relationship with her girlfriend, Jane. Maurisk, Raesina's former ally from her days as a student radical, might be responsible for the conspiracies they face, and is certainly a political threat now that he's gained some level of power. Wexler continues to nicely mix spycraft, political intrigue, and sorcery in his fascinating fantasy setting. This is definitely not a good starting point for new readers, but returning ones will be delighted that the story is clearly far from over. Agent: Seth Fishman, Gernert Company. (July)