cover by Dough Beekman
Cazaril, former soldier and courtier, a hero of this book, has been betrayed to slavery. When he was rescued, he was scarred in body and spirit. He returned to the abode of his former liege broken, but was assigned an important work as a secretary-tutor to princess Iselle. His work leads him to the court of Chalion, where his betrayer holds power. Iselle and her younger brother were entangled in court intrigue and power game. Cazaril finds himself the only one who can save Iselle from a dire destiny. The ancient curse that holds the entire royal family in its death grip must be stopped. But how? Can Cazaril survive the consequence?

The story starts rather slowly and might need a bit of will to continue, but once the story gets going, becomes a page-turner. The entire story is very consistent, without any almighty wizard or monsters. The hero himself is no mighty warrior. Dark magic and gods' miracles entangled in a subtle way in the story. Characterization is very good and it has believable protagonists. It could be that Cazaril is a little bit too good... But all in all, a very good read. Recommended.