"An absolute triumphWeymouth expertly blends politics, romance, and deep, profound meditations on motherhood into an intricate tale." Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author The Priory of the Orange Tree meets Black Sun in the thrilling launch of a political fantasy duology following three peoplea refugee, a heretic queen, and a priestas they attempt to shape the fortunes of a continent shattered by war.Two centuries ago, the Inver clan conquered the nation of Honoria, ushering in an era of blood. Now, after a period of fragile peace, a kings whims may reignite the engines of war. At the last stronghold of Honorias sun goddess, Fia, a young postulant, seeks safety for her child, but the price of the cloisters protection will tear her from what she loves most and thrust her into a deadly game of deception. Within the Invers mountain fortress, Ariana is known as the apostate queen after abandoning her faith for a king. But old loyalties arent easily severed. Ariana treads a dangerous path, striving for peace in a court made for conquest. And deep in the heart of the mountain, the Inver Priest bides his time with small acts of rebellion. Blinded in the fight for the throne, he harbors a bitter grudgeone that could lead to Honorias ruin or renewal. Amid a landscape of enemies, allies, and intrigue, three lives intertwine. Each will have to risk the wrath of gods and kings to alter the course of nations. "At once achingly sweet and lavishly dark, Weymouth deftly weaves a tale of war, love, sacrifice and devotion." H. M. Long The Daughters of Light The Castle & the Cloister
