Elishiba, daughter of the Emperor of Aleem is weathering a dangerous storm. Lands around her small but wealthy country prowl like wolves and she is forced to consider an alliance through marriage with their former enemy, Karseedia. On a diplomatic mission to ensure a treaty between their lands before their wedding, Elishiba enters the enemy’s lands with only her wits and a strange man’s assistance. Her life and the lives of her people are dependant on her. How can she even imagine trying to eke out some happiness for herself?

Amshazar has been given a task by the gods and goddesses themselves, a task that has been long in completing. The end is near and an evil must be vanquished, but there is a complication that he hadn’t expected: Elishiba, an amazing woman willing to risk all for the good of her people. Can he put aside his desires to assist her in her task while completing his?

This book was an absolute gem. I was absorbed into the tale from the very beginning and found it extremely difficult to tear myself away to deal with the mundane details of life, like eating, sleeping. I literally could not stop reading. I was rooting for Elishiba from the first chapter. The strength of character she showed and the willingness for self-sacrifice was just awe-inspiring. I have enjoyed Ms. Walker’s novellas and will definitely search out any other fantasy novels that she pens. Thank you for an amazing read.

Reviewed by: Serena