Hatu and Hava have restored a rundown inn at Beran's Hill, using it as a base of intelligence operations while they wait for instructions from Master Bodai of the council of assassins in the Kingdom of Night. Hatu is being sought by Catharian, who belongs to the Guardians of the Flame, as well as agents of the Church of the One. The former belongs to a society almost wiped out in the Betrayal (as seen in King of Ashes, 2018). When Berans Hill becomes the devastated opening round of a massive attack by unknown forces, Hatu and Hava are separated. Good friend DeClan also survives the massacre and joins mercenaries to help Baron Dumarch rally forces to face an army that has thwarted his every move. Hava must use all of her assassin skills to track down Hatu, while, in captivity, Hatu begins to understand his magical heritage. Master storyteller Feist takes time to develop the complex relationships among his many characters as he continues to expand the world in the second epic book of the Firemane series.

Feist displays his mastery of epic fantasy in this impressive second installment to the Firemane Saga (after King of Ashes), which sees newlywed innkeepers Hatu and Hava forced to rely on their childhood training as assassins and spies after calamity upends their lives. Hatu was raised by a criminal syndicate, but his true parentage marks him as the sole heir of the Firemanes and the destroyed Kingdom of Ithrace, putting a target on his back for those who see him as a threat and others who would use him as a pawn in their political machinations. On the day of his wedding to Hava in the remote town of Beran-s Hill, an overwhelming armed force attacks, leaving few alive and razing the town. Hatu is spirited away from the fighting by members of the Flame Guard, a secret society devoted to protecting his family line. Hava also survives and tracks Hatu to Port Colos, where she is seized by forces speaking an unknown language. Hava must escape captivity to find Hatu, who slowly learns more of his Firemane heritage. Feist fans will recognize his hallmarks here-quiet moments of a common life interrupted by sweeping battles, and high seas journeys to distant continents. Fantasy readers of all sorts will appreciate his command of both subtle characterization and vast, panoramic story. This is a knockout. (July)