Zayn Hassan, refugee from the despot's service, finds himself living among the tribes of the 'comnee,' where Healer and Spirit Rider Ammadin, seeing the dangers all around her, is beginning to doubt the gods who are her only protection. Idres Warkannan and his companions seek to find the only man who can redeem their Islamic civilization from its despotic ruler and restore justice to the population. Where the grass is purple, the trees are orange, and the huge and dangerous sentient Cha'Meech lizards roam the landscape. On the planet known as Snare, the descendants of Islamic fundamentalist emigrants have created beautiful enclaves, where they can sit on a patio enjoying green grass and 'true-roses,' but the nomadic tribes live in a much harsher landscape. The author of the beloved Deverry series (Dragonspell, Darkspell, and The Red Wyvern) turns her hand to a new kind of tale. Now, as Rhodry and Raena renew their timeless enmity, the fate of the city and every soul within it hangs in the balance - and on an act of self-sacrifice dangerous beyond imagining.

They are awaited by the sorceress Raena, their self-sworn high priestess and the votary of an evil goddess. Meanwhile, from the north come the savage Horsekin slavers, ancient foe of the Westfolk, now bent on the domination of Cerr Cawnen. Among the many who take refuge in the lakeside citadel, nestled in a volcano's shadow, are a Westfolk band guided by the elven enchantress Dallandra and protected by Rhodry Maelwaedd and his fiery guardian dragon. It is a drama that will be played out centuries later in the city of Cerr Cawnen. And at court, his illicit passion for the young dweomer apprentice, Lilli, threatens to revive a curse that only she - at her own peril - can lift. Prince Maryn prepares to claim the high kingship, but still the rebel Boar clan stands fast against him. The final chapter begins in the holy city as it rises from the ashes of Deverry's long wars. Katharine Kerr has enchanted readers with her magical Deverry and Westlands cycle, and now she brings to a breathtaking conclusion the epic saga begun with The Red Wyvern and The Black Raven.

The Red Wyvern by Katharine Kerr