Five years after abandoning the Sagrada Acedemy, Elezar Grunito has become infamous in the sanctified circles of noble dueling rings for his brutal temper and lethal blade. Men and women of all ranks gather to cheer and jeer, none of them knowing Elezar’s true purpose. But a violent death outside the ring marks Elezar as a wanted man and sends him into hiding in the far northern wilds of Labara.

There, creatures of myth and witchcraft—long since driven from Cadeleon—lurk in dark woods and prowl the winding streets. Soldiers and priests alike fear the return of witch-queens and even demons. Elezar soon learns that magic takes many forms, some too alluring to resist, others too terrible to endure. But just as he begins to find his place in this strange new country, the past he left behind along with his school days returns to challenge him once again.

Praise for Ginn Hale

”Hale continues to satisfy with capable worldbuilding and a strong emotional narrative that fuels the core romance between the leads, gradually raising the stakes and the tension before resolving it all in an epic and entertaining magical confrontation.”—Publishers Weekly

“An intricate world, well-integrated social issues, believable sexual encounters, and an interesting mystery make this dense, languorous tale appealing for any fan of romantic fantasy.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Hale weaves an unforgettable story of adventure, love and personal growth…”
—Diana Denza, Lambda Literary Report