New Releases by Jacqueline Carey

A USA Today bestseller! The lush epic fantasy that inspired a generation with a single precept: “Love As Thou Wilt." Returning to the realm of Terre d’Ange which captured an entire generation of fantasy readers, New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Carey brings us a hero’s journey for a new era. In Kushiel’s Dart, a daring young courtesan uncovered a plot to destroy her beloved homeland. But hers is only half the tale. Now see the other half of the heart that lived it. Cassiel’s Servant is a retelling of cult favorite Kushiel’s Dart from the point of view of Joscelin, Cassiline warrior-priest and protector of Phèdre nó Delaunay. He’s sworn to celibacy and the blade as surely as she’s pledged to pleasure, but the gods they serve have bound them together. When both are betrayed, they must rely on each other to survive. From his earliest training to captivity amongst their enemies, his journey with Phèdre to avert the conquest of Terre D’Ange shatters body and mind... and brings him an impossible love that he will do anything to keep. Even if it means breaking all vows and losing his soul. “Decadent and dark, Cassiel’s Servant reveals the secrets of the mysterious Cassiline brotherhood. In this gorgeously realized novel, Carey returns to the world of Terre d’Ange and offers us a new and dazzling perspective on a character we thought we knew.”—Nghi Vo, author of The Chosen and the Beautiful and Siren Queen Kushiel''s Legacy #1 Kushiel''s Dart #2 Kushiel''s Chosen #3 Kushiel''s Avatar Standalones Miranda and Caliban Starless The Sundering #1 Banewreaker #2 Godslayer At the Publisher''s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

« La qualification de chef-d''oeuvre est proche de la vérité : un récit épique, d''une ampleur rare et au style magnifique. » NooSFere « Évoluant au milieu d''une foule de personnages hauts en couleur, Phèdre mène à son terme une quête qui change les plus grands mystères en épisodes d''une incroyable intensité. [...] Une saga digne de George R.R. Martin. » Locus La marque de Kushiel fait de Phèdre une élue, et lui vaut d''éprouver à jamais le plaisir dans la souffrance. Mais dans le danger, elle peut compter sur le moine guerrier Joscelin. Bien que la nature de Phèdre soit une source perpétuelle de tourments pour eux deux, Joscelin lui demeure indéfectiblement fidèle. Jamais il n''a trahi son serment : protéger et servir. Pourtant le destin lui réserve une ultime épreuve. Phèdre n''a jamais oublié Hyacinthe, son ami d''enfance, et elle cherche depuis dix ans la clé qui le libérerait de l''asservissement. Car il a conclu un pacte avec les dieux pour se sacrifier à la place de son amie et sauver sa patrie. Aussi Phèdre saisit-elle la dernière chance de le secourir. Cette quête la conduira au bout du monde, à la merci de seigneurs de guerre déments et cruels, et face à un pouvoir si terrifiant que personne n''ose en prononcer le nom...

« Brillant et audacieux. » Publishers Weekly Phèdre nó Delaunay porte la marque de Kushiel, qui lui vaut d''éprouver à jamais le plaisir dans la souffrance. Devenue la plus convoitée des courtisanes, ainsi qu''une espionne exceptionnelle, elle a dû tout sacrifier pour sauver sa patrie d''une sombre conspiration. Aujourd''hui, les poètes chantent ses exploits, mais les dieux n''en ont pas fini avec elle... Car si le peuple d''Angelin aime sa jeune reine, d''autres ne pensent qu''à lui ravir la couronne. Et les comploteurs qui ont échappé au courroux des puissants sont avides de vengeance. Laissez-vous séduire par un monde vénéneux peuplé de conspirateurs, de monarques assiégés et de seigneurs de guerre barbares... et surtout par Phèdre, une héroïne hors du commun. « La qualification de chef-d''oeuvre est proche de la vérité : un récit épique, d''une ampleur rare et au style magnifique. » NooSFere

« La qualification de chef-d''oeuvre est proche de la vérité : un récit épique, d''une ampleur rare et au style magnifique. » NooSFere Phèdre nó Delaunay porte la marque de Kushiel, qui lui vaut d''éprouver à jamais le plaisir dans la souffrance. Enfant, elle a été vendue à un noble qui a su reconnaître chez elle ce don cruel, et elle est devenue depuis la plus convoitée des courtisanes... ainsi qu''une espionne exceptionnelle. Lorsqu''elle découvre le complot qui pèse sur sa patrie, Phèdre se lance dans une aventure épique et déchirante, semée de trahisons, et qu''il lui faudra mener jusqu''au bout pour sauver son peuple. Laissez-vous séduire par un monde vénéneux peuplé de conspirateurs, de monarques assiégés et de seigneurs de guerre barbares... et surtout par Phèdre, une héroïne hors du commun.

Phèdre nó Delaunay porte la marque de Kushiel, qui lui vaut d''éprouver à jamais le plaisir dans la souffrance. Enfant, elle a été vendue à un noble qui a su reconnaître chez elle ce don cruel, et elle est devenue depuis la plus convoitée des courtisanes... ainsi qu''une espionne exceptionnelle. Lorsqu''elle découvre le complot qui pèse sur sa patrie, Phèdre se lance dans une aventure épique et déchirante, semée de trahisons, et qu''il lui faudra mener jusqu''au bout pour sauver son peuple. Laissez-vous séduire par un monde vénéneux peuplé de conspirateurs, de monarques assiégés et de seigneurs de guerre barbares... et surtout par Phèdre, une héroïne hors du commun. "La qualification de chef-d''oeuvre est proche de la vérité : un récit épique, d''une ampleur rare et au style magnifique". NooSFere Bragelonne 10 ans - 10 romans - 10 euros En 2010, les éditions Bragelonne ont fêté le dixième anniversaire de leur création. A l''origine, une petite bande de copains, des bouts de ficelle, les moyens du bord et beaucoup de passion. La maison est très rapidement devenue le premier éditeur francophone de littératures de l''imaginaire grâce au soutien des libraires et à la ferveur de centaines de milliers de lecteurs en France, en Belgique, en Suisse, au Québec... et ailleurs. Grâce à vous ! Grâce aussi à des auteurs et à leurs agents qui nous ont fait confiance à un moment où nous avions encore tout à prouver. A vous, à eux, merci, merci du fond du coeur. Pour les dix ans, nous avons fêté cet événement avec une opération qui a connu un immense succès. Aussi avons-nous décidé de la réitérer : une édition spéciale - unique en son genre et à tirage limité - de dix romans-phares publiés durant nos premières années d''existence, au prix exceptionnel de 10 euros pour qu''ils puissent être partagés par le plus grand nombre. Les anniversaires, c''est encore mieux quand on les fête plusieurs fois. Avis aux collectionneurs ! Sélection 2018 : Iain M. Banks : L''Algébriste James Lovegrove : Royaume-Désuni Jim Butcher : Les Dossiers Dresden - L''intégrale E. E. Knight : L''Age du feu - L''Intégrale Jacqueline Carey : Kushiel : La Marque Markus Heitz : Le Destin des Nains - L''intégrale Graham Joyce : La Fée des dents Peter V. Brett : Le Cycle des démons : L''Homme-Rune James Herbert : Les Autres Raymond E. Feist : Le Conclave des Ombres - L''intégrale

"Destined from birth to serve as protector of the princess Zariya, Khai is trained in the arts of killing and stealth by a warrior sect in the deep desert; yet there is one profound truth that has been withheld from him"--Book jacket.

The dutiful and tenderhearted Miranda loves her father but is terribly lonely. She finds solace and companionship with Caliban, the strange and feral boy Prospero has bewitched to serve him. As Prospero weaves his magic and dreams of revenge, Miranda and Caliban battle the dark, unknowable forces that bind them to the island even as the pangs of adolescence create a new awareness of each other and their doomed relationship.

This discounted ebundle of the Kushiel''s Legacy includes: Kushiel’s Dart, Kushiel’s Chosen, Kushiel’s Avatar The first trilogy in Jacqueline Carey''s sprawling—and darkly sensual—New York Times bestselling series. The land of Terre d''Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good...and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Set in a world of cunning poets, deadly courtiers, heroic traitors, and a truly Machiavellian villainess, this is a tale of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. Kushiel’s Dart — Phèdre nó Delaunay is sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with a very special mission...and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel''s Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. Kushiel’s Chosen — The hands of the gods weigh heavily upon Phèdre''s brow, and they are not finished with her. While the young queen who sits upon the throne is well loved by the people, there are those who believe another should wear the crown... Kushiel’s Avatar — Phèdre and Joscelin journey on a dangerous path that will carry them to fabled courts and splendid vistas, to distant lands where madness reigns and souls are currency, and down a fabled river to a land forgotten by most of the world. And to a power so mighty that none dare speak its name. Kushiel''s Legacy Kushiel''s Dart Kushiel''s Chosen Kushiel''s Avatar The Sundering Banewreaker Godslayer Other books Miranda and Caliban At the Publisher''s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Imriel et Sidonie renoncent enfin à la clandestinité. Mais l''aveu de leur amour s''apprête à précipiter le royaume dans le plus grand tumulte. Car les D''Angelins n''ont pas oublié les crimes de la mère d''imriel, la perfide Melisande. Aussi la reine Ysandre impose-t-elle une condition absolue à l''union des amants. imriel doit accomplir un acte de foi : retrouver sa mère et la ramener en Terre d''Ange pour qu''elle y soit exécutée. Mais tandis que Sidonie et lui se préparent à une nouvelle séparation, une force étrangère venue de loin étend son ombre sur le royaume. Les deux amants survivront-ils à cette nouvelle menace ?

Phèdre é uma jovem nascida com uma marca escarlate no olho esquerdo. Vendida como escrava em criança, é comprada por um fidalgo, Anafiel Delaunay, detentor de uma missão e de muitos segredos. E ele é o primeiro a reconhecê-la como a eleita de Kushiel: uma mulher para quem a dor e o prazer são uma coisa só. Phèdre aprende as artes da corte e de alcova, mas sendo observadora e perspicaz, torna-se uma espia talentosa e uma irresistível cortesã. No entanto, Phèdre tropeça numa teia que ameaça os próprios alicerces da sua pátria. A traição mostra-lhe o caminho a seguir, o amor e a honra instigam-na a ir mais longe. Mas a crueldade do destino vai levá-la ao limite do desespero... e para além dele. No meio do ódio e da desconfiança, Phèdre apenas terá uma oportunidade de salvar tudo o que lhe é mais querido.

The hot-as-Hel series with the “Sookie Stackhouse type of vibe” (Paranormal Haven) is back—but this time the paranormal Midwestern town of Pemkowet is feeling a frost in the air and the residents are frozen in fear.... The Pemkowet Visitors Bureau has always promoted paranormal tourism—even if it has downplayed the risks (hobgoblins are unpredictable). It helps that the town is presided over by Daisy Johanssen, who as Hel’s liaison is authorized by the Norse goddess of the dead to keep Pemkowet under control. Normally, that’s easier to do in the winter, when bracing temperatures keep folks indoors. But a new predator is on the prowl, and this one thrives on nightmares. Daisy is on her trail and working intimately with her partner and sometime lover from the Pemkowet PD, sexy yet unavailable werewolf Cody Fairfax. But even as the creature is racking up innocent victims, a greater danger looms on Pewkowet’s horizon. As a result of a recent ghost uprising, an unknown adversary—represented by a hell-spawn lawyer with fiery powers of persuasion—has instigated a lawsuit against the town. If Pemkowet loses, Hel’s sovereignty will be jeopardized, and the fate of the eldritch community will be at stake. The only one who can prevent it is Daisy—but she’s going to have to confront her own worst nightmare to do it.

New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Carey returns to the curious Midwest tourist community where normal and paranormal worlds co-exist—however tenuously—under the watchful eye of a female hellspawn… Fathered by an incubus, raised by a mortal mother, and liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, Daisy Johanssen pulled the community together after a summer tragedy befell the resort town she calls home. Things are back to normal—as normal as it gets for a town famous for its supernatural tourism, and presided over by the reclusive Norse goddess Hel. Not only has Daisy now gained respect as Hel’s enforcer, she’s dating Sinclair Palmer, a nice, seemingly normal human guy. Not too shabby for the daughter of a demon. Unfortunately, Sinclair has a secret. And it’s a big one. He’s descended from Obeah sorcerers and they want him back. If he doesn’t return to Jamaica to take up his rightful role in the family, they’ll unleash spirit magic that could have dire consequences for the town. It’s Daisy’s job to stop it, and she’s going to need a lot of help. But time is running out, the dead are growing restless, and one mistake could cost Daisy everything…

THE FIRST AGENT OF HEL NOVEL! “Jacqueline Carey proves her versatility with this compelling and delightful piece of urban fantasy.”—#1 New York Times Bestselling Author Charlaine Harris The Midwestern resort town of Pemkowet boasts a diverse population: eccentric locals, wealthy summer people, and tourists by the busload—not to mention fairies, sprites, vampires, naiads, ogres, and a whole host of eldritch folk, presided over by Hel, a reclusive Norse goddess. To Daisy Johanssen, fathered by an incubus and raised by a single mother, it’s home. And as Hel’s enforcer and the designated liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, it’s up to her to ensure relations between the mundane and eldritch communities run smoothly. But when a young man from a nearby college drowns—and signs point to eldritch involvement—the town’s booming paranormal tourism trade is at stake. Teamed up with her childhood crush, Officer Cody Fairfax, a sexy werewolf on the down-low, Daisy must solve the crime—and keep a tight rein on the darker side of her nature. For if she’s ever tempted to invoke her demonic birthright, it could accidentally unleash nothing less than Armageddon.

Audace e indipendente, Phèdre nó Delaunay ha lottato a lungo per raggiungere la libertà. Abbandonata dalla madre a quattro anni e deputata quindi a servire in una delle Case, Phèdre ha infatti capovolto il suo destino, diventando non soltanto una delle cortigiane più ammirate di Terre D’Ange, ma anche un’abilissima spia. E, grazie alle sue capacità, è riuscita a salvare il proprio Paese dalla rovina e a sconfiggere una nemica formidabile, l’affascinante nobildonna Mélisande Shahrizai, che, dopo essersi sottratta alla condanna a morte, ha trovato rifugio nella repubblica della Serenissima. Quando però Mélisande fa consegnare a Phèdre – nella tenuta di Montrève in cui lei si è ritirata – un mantello sangoire, la giovane non ha dubbi sul significato di quel gesto: nel cuore di Terre d''Ange vive un traditore, qualcuno così vicino al trono da poterlo toccare, e lei è l’unica in grado di fermarlo, sempre che accetti la sfida lanciata dalla nobildonna, abbandonando l’uomo che ama e calandosi di nuovo in un mondo in cui gli inganni e i tradimenti sono moneta corrente... Ma in gioco c’è il destino di un popolo e Phèdre non può esitare: tenterà ancora una volta la sorte, ben sapendo che il prezzo da pagare potrebbe essere altissimo. Perché il dolore del corpo non è nulla in confronto al dolore dell’anima... Vivacissimo quadro di un universo animato da pirati e cortigiani, cavalieri e poeti e percorso da una raffinata vena sensuale, La prescelta e l’erede è un romanzo avvincente, che ha il respiro delle grandi epopee ed è illuminato da un’eroina conturbante e indimenticabile.

Rapito quand’era solo un bambino, venduto come schiavo e costretto a sopportare terribili torture, il principe Imriel de la Courcel è stato tratto in salvo e adottato da Phèdre, non soltanto un’abilissima spia, ma anche un’anguissette, cioè una persona capace di mescolare la sofferenza e il piacere per natura e non per costrizione. Una volta tornato a corte, però, Imriel non può dirsi al sicuro: benché sia il terzo in linea di successione al trono di Terre d’Ange, sono molti a volerlo morto. Temono infatti che il giovane abbia ereditato la stessa sete di potere della madre, la famigerata Mélisande Shahrizai, scomparsa senza lasciare traccia dopo aver cercato per ben due volte di usurpare il trono. Imriel però sa di non doversi difendere solo dagli intrighi di palazzo, ma anche da se stesso. Ormai adolescente, sente crescere in lui oscuri desideri, mentre il suo corpo risponde pericolosamente al dono di Phèdre... Confuso e spaventato, il giovane decide allora di partire in cerca dell’unica persona che possa aiutarlo a far chiarezza nel suo animo e, forse, anche a ritrovare sua madre: il maestro di Anafiel Delaunay, l’uomo che aveva reso Phèdre una perfetta spia. Ma, ben presto, Imriel si ritroverà a fare i conti con un mondo in cui niente è ciò che sembra, in cui l’inganno può celarsi nelle parole più innocenti, e scoprirà suo malgrado che la ricerca del vecchio mentore non è che l’inizio...

Cresciuta nei remoti boschi di Alba, Moirin mac Fainche ha faticato ad ambientarsi nella raffinata Terre d’Ange, tra radicate convenzioni sociali e pericolosi intrighi di corte. Tuttavia i suoi sforzi sono stati premiati: non solo lei è diventata la preferita della regina, al punto di essere accolta nel palazzo reale, ma è stata pure accettata come discepola dal maestro Lo Feng, giunto dalla lontana Ch’in per insegnare l’arte della medicina e della magia. Moirin si dimostra subito un’allieva eccellente: oltre alla capacità di rendersi invisibile, infatti, la giovane dà prova di possedere straordinarie capacità curative. Ecco perché, quando viene improvvisamente richiamato in patria, Lo Feng la prega di accompagnarlo. Tigre di Neve, la figlia dell’imperatore, è caduta vittima di un terribile sortilegio, che l’ha resa aggressiva e violenta, inducendola persino ad assassinare il marito la notte delle nozze. E adesso l’impero è sull’orlo di una guerra civile: furioso, il padre dello sposo sta sobillando i nobili locali, per convincerli a marciare sulla capitale e a uccidere la principessa. L’ultima speranza per Tigre di Neve è smascherare il traditore che le ha lanciato contro l’incantesimo e costringerlo a liberarla. E, secondo Lo Feng, solo una persona è in grado di riuscirci: Moirin...

C’è stato un tempo in cui l’isola di Alba era dominata dai Maghuin Dhonn, un’antica tribù depositaria di poteri straordinari. Un secolo fa, però, quella terra è stata sconvolta da un crimine orrendo: l’assassinio della moglie e del figlio di Imriel de la Courcel. Da quel giorno, la magia è svanita quasi del tutto... L’oracolo è stato chiaro: sarà Moirin, la figlia della venerata strega dei Maghuin Dhonn, a riportare la tribù allo splendore che merita; tuttavia, perché il fato si compia, la giovane dovrà intraprendere un lungo viaggio alla scoperta delle proprie origini. Emozionata e impaurita, Moirin lascia quindi le foreste di Alba alla volta di Terre d’Ange, dove vive il padre, che lei non ha mai conosciuto. Di lui, Moirin sa solo che è un sacerdote di Naamah, la dea del desiderio, la stessa divinità che spesso le appare in sogno e che le ha donato innate abilità di seduzione. Ma il regno angeline è un posto pericoloso per un’ingenua fanciulla dei boschi. Non appena arriva nella capitale, infatti, Moirin viene prima derubata e poi investita dalla carrozza di Raphael de Mereliot, uno degli uomini più potenti della città. Un incontro che segnerà il suo destino: quando Raphael le offre ospitalità, Moirin s’infatua di lui e, col passare dei giorni, si lascia coinvolgere in una conturbante relazione amorosa. Ma la giovane non può immaginare che, in realtà, Raphael vuole soltanto servirsi di lei e delle sue capacità per realizzare un piano ordito da tempo...

Rimasta vittima di un potente sortilegio, la principessa Sidonie ha dimenticato il suo amore per Imriel de La Courcel e ha accettato di sposare Astegal, sovrano di Cartagine. Disperato, Imriel è pronto a tutto pur di riconquistarla, ma è altresì consapevole che, se solo osasse avvicinarsi al palazzo reale, sarebbe certamente ucciso. Esiste un unico modo per ingannare le guardie e poter così raggiungere la principessa: lanciare su di sé un pericoloso incantesimo e assumere una nuova identità, sebbene ciò significhi anche cancellare la propria memoria. Coi ricordi e con l''aspetto di Leander Maignard, affascinante cortigiano della remota isola di Cythera, Imriel entra quindi nelle grazie del sovrano e riesce a farsi nominare consigliere personale di Sidonie. Ai due giovani bastano pochi giorni per innamorarsi di nuovo e, non appena si scambiano il primo bacio, gli effetti della magia svaniscono insieme con l''amnesia che li aveva colpiti. Purtroppo, però, tutta Terre D''Ange è ancora sotto l''influenza di Astegal. Imriel e Sidonie si mettono dunque in viaggio verso casa; ma, per liberare il regno dal giogo cartaginese, dovranno combattere contro le persone che amano di più al mondo: la regina Ysandre, Jocelin e Phèdre nó Delaunay...

I was afraid of the dark tide that stirred in me. I did not want any part of my mother''s blood. And yet it called to me.'' Imriel de la Courcel, third in line to the throne, was enslaved and tortured as a boy, leaving him scarred and wary of his future. Son of a traitor, Imriel fears the dangerous passions of his bloodline - and his potential for destruction. His beloved stepmother, exotic and lovely, has trained him in the arts of covertcy - espionage skills that will either serve his country well, or draw him into a web of corruption and treachery. Imriel will need all of these resources as he travels, incognito, to escape the demands of court and family ... What he discovers is not freedom, but a city at war, and a political game so deep that he may never escape its net.

Imriel, is third in line to the throne and a troubled scion of a dangerous bloodline. In an effort to unite two lands he has been betrothed to Dorelei, an Alban princess, so he may beget future rulers of Alba. Yet he cannot escape the illicit and dark passion he feels for Sidonie, queen-in-waiting of his homeland - and this will be used against him. When Dorelei and her unborn son are betrayed and he is badly wounded, Imriel finds himself torn between his vow to avenge his wife and child and his desire to seek solace in Sidonie''s arms. This is a battle Alba''s elders would see him loose, even if they must employ sinister forces to accomplish their ends. And treason and magic make murderous bedfellows.

Sidonie, heir to the throne, and Imriel, son of a traitor, have confessed their dangerous union. But their love has caused political uproar: Imriel''s infamous mother plunged Terre d''Ange into a bloody war and her crimes will not be lightly forgiven. If the couple weds, Sidonie will be disinherited. A union will only be permitted if Imriel finds the mother he has never known and returns her to Court for execution. But newer evils take precedence when a visiting diplomat casts a dark enchantment over the d''Angeline Court. The sorcerer returns home with Sidonie in his thrall, and falsely-won pledges of support in a foreign war. Imriel must evade bewitched friends and work with erstwhile enemies to rescue Sidonie and pull the country back from the brink of conflict. And no one but him remembers their forbidden romance.

Post-apocalyptic scifi meets urban fantasy in Jacqueline Carey''s sequel to Santa Olivia as two girls fight to stay together and change the world. After their escape from military custody, Loup Garron and her girlfriend Pilar have a chance to reinvent their lives thousands of miles away from the forgotten and disenfranchised Texas border town and military zone of Santa Olivia. Thanks to Loup''s genetically engineered gifts of strength, speed, and an innate fearlessness, as well as Pilar''s unexpected skill with a pistol, they find new careers as high-priced bodyguards for a world famous British rock band. Back in the States, an investigation into the existence of Santa Olivia, also known as Outpost 12, begins in Washington, D.C. When the key witness with evidence to expose the military cover-up, their old comrade Miguel, vanishes, the case seems lost. The abandoned citizens of Santa Olivia need a champion, a voice raised on their behalf, which pushes Loup and Pilar into a hard choice. If Loup returns to U.S. soil, she''ll be an outlaw. If she''s caught, she''ll be taken into custody again; and this time, there may be no escape. But if she and Pilar don''t fight for the freedom of those they left behind, no one will.

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Kushiel''s Legacy series comes the concluding volume in Moirin''s story. The half-human/half-deity must look to her past mistakes to restore order in her homeland, at whatever cost. Returning to Terre d''Ange, Moirin finds the royal family broken. Wracked by unrelenting grief at the loss of his wife, Queen Jehanne, King Daniel is unable to rule. Prince Thierry, leading an expedition to explore the deadly jungles of Terra Nova, is halfway across the world. And three-year-old Desirée is a vision of her mother: tempestuous, intelligent, and fiery, but desperately lonely, and a vulnerable pawn in a game of shifting political allegiances. As tensions mount, King Daniel asks that Moirin become Desirée''s oath-sworn protector. Navigating the intricate political landscape of the Court proves a difficult challenge, and when dire news arrives from overseas, the spirit of Queen Jehanne visits Moirin in a dream and bids her undertake an impossible quest. Another specter from the past also haunts Moirin. Traveling with Thierry in the New World is Raphael de Mereliot, her manipulative former lover. Years ago, Raphael forced her to help him summon fallen angels in the hopes of acquiring mystical gifts and knowledge. It was a disastrous effort that nearly killed them, and Moirin must finally bear the costs of those bitter mistakes.

Prima è sfuggito a uno spietato sicario a Tiberium, poi è sopravvissuto per miracolo all’assedio della città di Lucca, eppure Imriel de La Courcel, terzo in linea di successione al trono di Terre D’Ange, adesso non può sottrarsi al matrimonio combinato con Dorelei mab Breidaia, principessa di Alba. In attesa del giorno della cerimonia, il giovane viene chiamato a corte, dove incontra la cugina Sidonie, la legittima erede del regno angeline. E, all’improvviso, accade ciò che non doveva accadere: i due vengono travolti da un desiderio irrefrenabile e, a dispetto dei rischi cui si espongono, si abbandonano a un’intensa passione segreta. Ma, per un nobile, il vero amore è un sogno destinato a infrangersi. Celebrate le nozze, Imriel è infatti costretto a separarsi da Sidonie per trasferirsi con la moglie ad Alba, un’isola lontana e primitiva, abitata da un popolo geloso delle antiche tradizioni e dedito alla magia oscura. Fin da subito, il nuovo arrivato percepisce un’atmosfera ostile, e i suoi timori vengono confermati quando una strega cerca di asservirlo alla propria volontà grazie a un potente incantesimo. Deciso a non piegarsi, Imriel scopre tuttavia che, per liberarsi da quel giogo opprimente, sarà obbligato a pagare un prezzo altissimo: rinunciare all’amore per Sidonie...

Imriel est le fils adoptif de Phedre, l''Elue de Kushiel. Enleve, torture et reduit en esclavage lorsqu''il n''etait qu''un enfant, Imriel est aujourd''hui prince du sang. A la Cour ou se trament mille conspirations, nombreux sont ceux qui souhaitent sa mort - de peur qu''il n''ait herite des dons malefiques de sa veritable mere, Melisande. Alors qu''il approche de l''age d''homme et que s''eveillent en lui des desirs de plus en plus vifs, Imriel en vient a partager leurs craintes et se trouve piege au coeur d''une trame de meurtres et de manipulations ou il devra faire face au plus grand des defis: decouvrir sa veritable nature.

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Kushiel''s Legacy series, a lushly imagined fantasy featuring Moirin: daughter of Alba. Far from the land of her birth, Moirin sets out across Tatar territory to find Bao, the proud and virile Ch''in fighter who holds the missing half of her diadh-anam, the divine soul-spark of her mother''s people. After a long ordeal, she not only succeeds, but surrenders to a passion the likes of which she''s never known. But the lovers'' happiness is short lived, for Bao is entangled in a complication that soon leads to their betrayal.

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Kushiel''s Legacy series comes an all new saga set in her unique Renaissance world. Once there were great magicians born to the Maghuin Dhonn; the folk of the Brown Bear, the oldest tribe in Alba. But generations ago, the greatest of them all broke a sacred oath sworn in the name of all his people. Now, only small gifts remain to them. Through her lineage, Moirin possesses such gifts—the ability to summon the twilight and conceal herself, and the skill to coax plants to grow. Moirin has a secret, too. From childhood onward, she senses the presence of unfamiliar gods in her life; the bright lady, and the man with a seedling cupped in his palm. Raised in the wilderness by her reclusive mother, it isn''t until she comes of age that Moirin learns how illustrious, if mixed, her heritage is. After Moirin undergoes the rites of adulthood, she finds divine acceptance—on the condition that she fulfill an unknown destiny.