Katharine Kerr's richly imagined cycle of novels set in Deverry and the Westlands has earned a devoted following--and a reputation as the finest Celtic fantasy being written today. Now she returns to Deverry's war-ravaged past....
In a kingdom torn by civil war, young Lillorigga seeks to shield her dawning powers from her cruel mother Merodda's manipulation. Mistress of a magic that, untamed, could kill her, Lilli brings her terrifying visions under the kindlier tutelage of the mysterious dweomermaster, Nevyn. But soon she must choose between her own clan and the true king who fights to claim his rightful throne, between sanctuary and blood feud, loyalty and love. Little does she dream that the slaughter she invites, and the malevolence she defies, could stalk her across the ages...twisting and twining the strands of timeless destinies.

Review

"First of a series within a series: Although set within Kerr's existing Celtic fantasy world of Deverry (A Time of Omens, 1992, etc.), this one kicks off a new set of characters and doings. Again, the struggles of the past reverberate down the ages, and the chief characters-such as the mysterious "dweomermaster," Nevyn-exist in multiple reincarnations. Long ago in the time of the Civil Wars, young, magically talented Lillorigga quarrels with her cruel and manipulative mother, Merodda; in the present, Merodda will be reincarnated as Raena, the Raven Woman, deadly foe of the half-elfin hero Rhodry Maelwaedd. More of the usual." Kirkus Reviews