We begin the story of the battle for control of the most powerful ruling house in the Essalieyan Empire, House Terafin and with the introduction of a remarkable young girl Jay Markers. Jay is an orphan living under a bridge when she is rescued from this existence by reclusive Rate. Nursed back to health, Jay attaches herself to Rate till she can pay her debt. Driven by visions she can’t control, she begins to rescue other children, forming a den in Rate’s home. Rate walks a more dangerous path. The demons that once brought down the empire are stirring again, targeting any who might warn against them. Rate, who treads the hidden ways beneath the city, and Jay whose talent as a seer without training become the target, and the only hope, for the Empire.

Wow! This is a well written, tightly-plotted, character-driven book. The world is so clearly drawn, the reader becomes part of it, and you can’t put it down. This is a must-have for lovers of fantasy. This critic will be watching for succeeding volumes to snatch. This is deserving of a World Fantasy nomination. Go get it, you’ll get more than your money’s worth ~~ Pam Allan