A gift of life, or a curse beyond death? Bestselling author Fiona McIntosh's most popular fantasy title -- discover the world of the Quickening. Life for Myrren should be good - she's a beautiful young woman with bewitching eyes; one grey, the other green. But those entrancing colours are likely to be her downfall, for many believe only a witch could have mismatched eyes. Wyl Thirsk possesses the good habits and wise judgment that have helped the Thirsk family remain leaders for generations. These virtues will serve him well as he finds himself companion to the king's wayward son and though the prince is arrogant and cruel, Wyl is duty-bound to protect him. When Myrren crosses paths with Wyl, she is grateful for his compassion and decides to give him an extraordinary gift. It is both powerful and astonishing - but also devastating. Bestselling author Fiona McIntosh weaves a gripping story of action and intrigue in this magnificent opening to the much-loved Quickening series. Praise for Fiona McIntosh: 'Fiona McIntosh is a seductress. I have not moved from the sofa for three days, beguiled by Myrren's Gift' Sydney Morning Herald 'Fans will welcome Australian author McIntosh's gripping first installment in her Quickening trilogy, a tale of the eternal struggle between good and evil filled with magic, blood and jealousy ... delightful and fast-moving story' Publishers Weekly 'Excellent' Bookseller & Publisher