All her life, Anna's mother and Old Marta have groomed her to join the ranks of the Viszudar: a diplomatic corps of women who work to preserve the unity of the four kingdoms that arose from the rubble of a once-perfect world. But is ability destiny? When her call to formal training finally comes, Anna is torn between a simpler and safer future or the uncertainty and danger of serving her Dovarsha, the female ruler of her kingdom. As Anna struggles through her own dilemma, an ominous threat surfaces in the distance. Historically, the unique characteristics of the four kingdoms both benefitted and balanced each other, enabling a long, though-sometimes-fragile peace to exist among them. But when a dramatic innovation in the Kishtar Kingdom tips the balance ever so slightly, Anna's father unintentionally breathes new life into an ancient evil. As the power of the evil grows, Anna and her fellow trainees find themselves caught in situations much more complex than they've ever faced. Though many can see Anna's ability, she doubts whether she is up to the task. Now, trained but untested, Anna realizes she must face this oldest of adversaries alone. Prepare to enter an entirely new and unique world of kingdoms in conflict, royal advisors with extraordinary abilities, an ancient yet unrelenting evil, and the young woman who finds herself in the midst of it all. In a vivid world that evokes Middle Earth or Narnia, this powerful allegory teaches the value of courage, heritage, generosity and innovation, while countering the prevailing cultural messages that glorify evil, victimhood, and rebellion championed in the Twilight and Hunger Games series.