The richly imagined third volume of Wilson's bestselling fantasy romance series (after 2007's Lady of Light and Shadows
) draws the reader into a complex web of ancient magics and looming war surrounding a central mystery: why are the kitlings of the powerful Tairen, magical winged catlike beings, dying before they hatch? Ellysetta Baristani, a woodcarver's daughter with unexplained magical gifts, must find the solution with the aid of her recently discovered truemate, Rain Tairen Soul, the Fey king tormented by his past misdeeds. Wilson peels back layers of secrets surrounding the evil mages of Eld and their schemes to destroy the Tairen and the Fey, but the revelations never overwhelm the emotional intensity of Ellysetta and Rain's developing relationship or diminish the textured beauty of the writing. An exciting climax will leave fans hungry for more. (Oct.)
