Shinn Sharon

The first book of The Twelve Houses, Mystic & Rider , was hailed as “spellbinding” ( Publishers Weekly ), and introduced readers to the troubled land of Gillengaria. Now, national bestselling and award-winning author Sharon Shinn continues her epic tale, as a beautiful shapeshifter finds that intrigue and danger can be found even in the safest of havens…

After joining an unlikely band of soldiers and sorcerers to rescue the regent Romar Brendan from a cabal of rebellious minor lords, the shiftling Kirra returns to her home of Danalustrous—and learns that her half-sister, Casserah, has been proclaimed heir to the land.

Though Casserah is obligated to attend a circuit of social events held by the great Houses of Gillengaria, she obstinately refuses to go. So Kirra shapeshifts into her sister’s form and makes the rounds for her. In the royal city of Ghosenhall, she unexpectedly joins up with her steadfast compatriots from her previous adventures, and together they embark on a tour of the Twelve Houses acting as guardians for the enigmatic queen of Gillengaria and her alluring daughter.

For the Rider Wen, peace in Gillengaria has only brought despair. Plagued by guilt for failing to protect her king, Wen has fled the royal city and given herself the penance of a life of wandering, helping strangers in need, making sure they remain just that: strangers.

Until the day she helps a terrified young woman abducted by an overeager suitor. The girl, she discovers, is the daughter of one of those who rose against the dead king, and is now heir to the great estate known as Fortune. Once she has delivered her safely home, Wen wants nothing further to do with the girl or her family.
But fate has other plans...For behind the walls of Fortune, Wen will find her future - and she will finally confront the ghosts of her past.