Description:

The second book of Shaftal. The country has a ruler again, Karis, a woman who can heal the war-torn land and expel the invaders. But she lives in obscurity with her fractious found family. With war and disease spreading, Karis must act. And when Karis acts, the very stones of the earth sit up and take notice.

**

From Publishers Weekly

Twenty years after the invading Sainnites won the Battle of Lilterwess, the struggle for the world of Shaftal is far from finished in Marks's stirring, intricately detailed sequel to Fire Logic (2002). Mabin, the "last legitimate member of the old Lilterwess Council," leads the "black-dressed, gold-earringed" Paladins in the fight against the conquerors, while Karisâ€"the lost G'deon of Shaftal, the woman with the power to save the land-sits on the sidelines and dares not act for fear of unintended and disastrous consequences. Meanwhile, a new band of zealots threatens to unbalance an already dangerous situation in Karis's name. Divided into five parts, each with an introductory fable reminiscent of Native American mythology, the novel builds suspense by shifting focus between Karis, with her quarrelsome family of elemental talents, and Lieutenant-General Clement, the female officer in charge of the Sainnite forces in Shaftal. Full of love and humor as well as war and intrigue, this well-crafted epic fantasy will delight existing fans as surely as it will win new ones.
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From Booklist

Starred Review Shaftal is a leaderless land, ravaged by invaders and hit hard by plague, and Shaftal is dying. Many years ago, the old G'deon died without passing on his power, or so most people had thought. There remained rumors, however, of a new, as yet undiscovered G'deon, who would crush the Sainnites and save Shaftal. In fact, Karis is that rumored G'deon, though forbidden to act or rule as such until the time is right, and not even Karis knew when that would be. She knew only that it was approaching quickly. As Shaftal fell further and further into devastation, and as the people Karis loved were put into danger again and again, she could only watch helplessly and wait for a sign. Meanwhile, trapped with her people between a group of murderous, renegade Paladins and the invading Sannite garrison, Karis is fiercely determined to establish peace, no matter what, and without further violence. She doesn't know how, but she does know beyond doubt that a way will open to her. With this follow-up to Fire Logic (2002), Marks produces another stunner of a book. The powerful but subtle writing glows with intelligence, and the passionate, fierce, articulate, strong, and vital characters are among the most memorable in contemporary fantasy, though not for the faint of heart. Definitely for the thinking reader. Paula Luedtke
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