Amidst the shadows, chaos reigns.

Blaine "Mick" McFadden managed to partially restore Donderath's magic, but not without a cost. He and the magic are now bound together, and the power remains dangerous and erratic - draining the life from him with every use.

New threats are rising from the wreckage of the battered kingdoms, and warlords both mortal and undead vie for control. Now, Blaine and his unlikely band of convict heroes must find allies amidst a seas of enemies, and discover a way to rebind magic to the will of mortals before it destroys him. And time is running out . . .

A vivid, engrossing tapestry woven from epic heroism, post apocalypse struggles, perilous magic and darkest fantasy * Juliet McKenna, author of THE TALES OF EINARINN *
As always, Gail Z. Martin delivers Epic Fantasy as it was meant to be: gripping, action packed, and larger than life. A delight for any fan of the genre! * Rachel Aaron, author of THE SPIRIT THIEF *
With a large cast of satisfying characters, Gail Z. Martin masterfully presents an epic struggle between the forces of life and the forces of death in a world of broken magic * James Maxey, author of GREATSHADOW *
High mage magic, thrilling battles and heart-thudding adventure - yet another superb fantasy tale from Gail Z. Martin! * Andy Remic, author of THE IRON WOLVES *

Gail Z. Martin discovered her passion for SF, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The first story she wrote - at age five - was about a vampire. At age fourteen she decided to become a writer. She enjoys attending SF/Fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and three children.