Allegiance (River of Souls) - Tapa dura

"The interplay of light and dark magic coupled with the strong central characters make this a strong entry in the fantasy adventure genre." --Library Journal on Queen's Hunt "Passionate, articulate, clever, this book sings. A marvelous debut novel." --New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs on Passion Play "A rich, compulsively readable fantasy." --Booklist on Passion Play "Readers will be impatient for a sequel." --Publishers Weekly on Passion Play

King Leos of Karovi, the tyrannical despot whose magic made him near immortal and who controlled a tattered empire for centuries through fear and intimidation, is finally dead. Ilse Zhalina watched as the magical jewels that gave him such power reunited into a single essence, a manifestly God-like creature who then disappeared into the cosmic void. Ilse is now free to fulfil her promise to Valara Baussay, the rogue Queen of Morenniou, who wants to return to her kingdom and claim her throne. Ilse will do all in her power to help Valara if only as a means to get back to her home. Back to her lover, Raul Kosenmark, who is gathering forces in their homeland of Veraene now that Leos is dead, in order to save them from an ill-advised war. Pulled by duty and honour, Ilse makes this long journey to where her story began, to complete the journey she attempted lives and centuries before and bring peace between the kingdoms. Along the way she learns some hard truths and finally comes to a crossroads of power and magic. She must decide if duty is stronger than a love that she has sought through countless lifetimes. Will Ilse give up her heart's desire so that her nation can finally know lasting peace?