Past Stonehill Downs, beyond unforgiving scrubland and perilous mountain peaks, militant tribes gather on white sand . . .
With the Red Worm plague vanquished, and Malachi and Liam safely returned from Roue, Avani expects life in Wilhaiim to return to normal. But Mal has been changed by his journey across the long sea, and now walks dangerously close to the edge of madness, while the horrors of war in a foreign land have transformed Liam from a naïve lad to a young man seeking his place as sidhe among mortals.
And the plague has left chaos in its wake: Wilhaiim’s priests are rising against King Renault, a serial killer is taking vengeance on His Majesty's unwary subjects, and someone is using forbidden bone magic to kindle the Automata—mechanized monsters born of ancient necromancy.
As Avani works to contain unrest and expose a murderer, she is unaware that a far greater threat is rolling in from the east: a bloodthirsty desert army intent on destruction.
Magic will be tested and friendship tried as Avani and Mal battle new peril and old temptation in this stunning follow up to Across the Long Sea.
This book was good. It might be a good idea to read the first two books first in order to understand some of the plot points in this story. Other than that, I did enjoy reading this book.
not going to write a spoiler but definitely not the ending I expected -- happily!! This series kept me interested and wanting to know more as I read through it. Enjoyed the series.
Remy has crafted an entire world that is subtly different from our own. Mal has returned home but changed from his exposure to the draw of the sea. Liam has grown both is size and in distrust of the man who he idolizes. The prince/captain/captor has returned with Mal and Liam to draw their kingdom into an alliance.
Avani has served as Vocent, the king's counselor, mortician, detective and assassin while Mal was captive. She has also grown in power and in skepticism. The introduction of the desert people and their threat forces her to more fully accept her new role.
Remy crafts memorable characters and creates a new look at those who live under the barrows. She has put together a plot and has woven a story of intricate tapestry with vivid colors and startling scenes. The introduction of magic induced technology only adds to the delightful flavor of this series.