The second book in Jayne Kinch's thrilling Mages of Thiar Trilogy. Having finally reached Spice Island, Amarinda is still no closer to clearing her sister's name. All is not lost, however, as the offer of help comes from a surprising quarter. Will Amarinda be able to overcome a lifetime of fear and prejudice towards those with magic and finally embrace her magical side, or will she remain trapped on the island forever? What is this mysterious task that Blood Mage Rhiannon wishes Amarinda to complete in exchange for her help? And what connection does the mage have to an ancient evil thought long vanquished? Meanwhile, back at Cazney Palace, Jax has finally revealed her true nature to Valerian. Now completely in the mage's thrall, he is powerless to stop Jax as she seeks to destroy Soraya - the rightful Queen of Thiar and a woman Valerian grew up believing was his own half-sister. The Soraya escapes from her prison cell, and Valerian soon learns that Jax will stop at nothing to hunt her down...