AS WAR RISES LIKE SMOKE AND OLD MAGICS MIX WITH RAGE, ONE PRINCE MAY BE A HERO...OR THE DOWNFALL OF AN EMPIRE Prince Alex wants to be the ruler his kingdom demands...but the line between ruler and tyrant blurs with every new threat. With his controlling father away at war and a royal council turned mad for power, Alex relies on his wits for guidance...but what happens when those he trusts most may have betrayed him? Here continues an epic fantasy unlike any other, as an ambitious queen taunts fate with the blood of an angry god, a tribe of warlords hunts the last heirs of ancient magic, two captive princesses seek freedom at any price and the brave are lured into darkness. As tests of loyalty lead to blood and death, the prince's next move will bring his enemies to heel...or turn an empire to dust.