In the darkness of war and destruction, forces gather to reclaim the peace: Those immortal Guardians who still serve justice seek a means to end the devastating reign of one of their own; a hired outlander army struggles to halt the advance of the horde that has despoiled vast lands and slaughtered countless people in its murderous wake, while still guarding against a burgeoning threat from an aggressively expansionist empire; and the eagle reeves who have long been the only law enforcers of the Hundred struggle to reorganize after a devastating massacre has decimated their numbers. But even as these forces give hope to those who would live in peace, a terrible danger looms: a traitor with Imperial ambitions, the most dreaded, least anticipated threat of all…

In the unfolding drama of political upheaval and violent change, nothing is certain, as alliances dissolve and power shifts with the unpredictability of a desert sandstorm...

Review

Elliott delivers a solid, rousing conclusion to her sprawling Crossroads epic fantasy trilogy (after 2007's Spirit Gate). Charismatic foreign captain Anji, heralded as a savior, and reeve commander Joss, known more for bedding women than leading men, have defeated the army of the corrupted Guardians. Though the secrets of the Guardians are finally uncovered, Anji refuses to relinquish his belief that the Guardians are incurable demons. Meandering plot lines may initially confuse newcomers, but Elliott's hardworking prose quickly seals the gaps, and she expertly juggles an ever-expanding cast of memorable and racially diverse characters whose captivating superstitions, passions and fears are the highlights of this expansive and complicated tale. The conclusion's final twist won't surprise readers, and some remaining loose ends suggest an imminent return to this fascinating world. (Aug.) Publishers Weekly

Author Biography

KATE ELLIOTT is the bestselling author of more than a dozen epic novels. Her novel King’s Dragon was a finalist for the Nebula Award; The Golden Key (co-written with Melanie Rawn and Jennifer Roberson) was a World Fantasy Award finalist. Born in Iowa and raised in Oregon, she lives in Hawaii.