Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean that danger isn’t far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret. Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana ’Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen. Everything changes when Han and Raisa’s paths cross, in this epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction. Gr 8 Up–Seventeen-year-old Han Alister was once the Ragmarket street lord, skilled in thievery and lies. But now he's traveling to Oden's Ford to earn an education in the magical arts, and it will not be without peril. Despite the fact that the academy is known as “the great leveler,” there are students who have reason to hate Han, specifically the Bayar twins, Micah and Fiona, because he stole the Demon King's amulet from their father, the High Wizard. To gain the upper hand on them, Han joins forces with a mysterious wizard he met in the dream world, but what this wizard asks in return may be more than the teen wishes to give. Meanwhile, Princess Raisa has fled from an arranged marriage with Micah Bayar. She and her loyal–and beloved–soldier, Amon, are also making their way to Oden's Ford so that Raisa might receive a military education in order to become a stronger ruler. Raisa's and Han's paths have crossed in the past, but when they meet again their connection is more powerful than before. Chima has created an intricate world with a rich history, cultural prejudices, and complicated political dynamics. Her characters are multifaceted: no one is either completely evil or insipidly perfect–each has shortcomings as well as redeeming traits. Readers would do well to pick up the first book in this series before tackling this one, as there are some details that will be lost without knowledge of what transpired in The Demon King (Hyperion, 2009), but those who love a well-thought-out fantasy will enjoy this novel. Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO © Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. "Readers follow the highly likable characters in plot strands that touch and separate and re-form, creating an ambitious web of politics and intrigue...Whether reveling in the fairy-tale-romance details of Raisa's coming-of-age party, evoking life on the street, or inventing a complex clan culture, Chima delivers a high-interest, high-action story already racing toward a sequel."― The Horn Book New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima grew up with talking animals and kick-butt Barbies. She began writing poetry and stories in third grade and novels in junior high school. These days she writes fantasy fiction for teens of all ages. Her Heir Chronicles contemporary fantasy series includes The Warrior Heir, The Wizard Heir, The Dragon Heir, The Enchanter Heir , and The Sorcerer Heir . Her high fantasy Seven Realms series launched with The Demon King , followed by The Exiled Queen, The Gray Wolf Throne , and The Crimson Crown ; she is also the author of the Shattered Realms series, including Flamecaster, Shadowcaster, Stormcaster , and Deathcaster , among other works. She lives in Ohio with her family, and invites you to visit her online at cindachima.com.