Aghamore, the setting of Neason's Thirteenth Scroll (2001), is on the brink of a devastating civil war as the nine barons compete for the kingship. The scrolls of Tambryn, long hidden in the bowels of the Church, prophesy that an obscure young woman possessing the requisite inborn wisdom is to rule the land fairly and well. Lysandra, her wolf companion Cloud Dancer, and the priest Renan have found that woman: Selia. Her powers are still dormant, though, and she is just an inexperienced girl, fearful of failing her destiny. Complicating matters are an evil and powerful sorceress determined to bend Aghamore to her service and an ambitious sorcerer-bishop. Lysandra and Renan must prepare Selia for queenship in time to avert the civil war, even though, as Lysandra's visions foresee, the new queen will die at her coronation. This is a terrific fantasy and a bittersweet love story, to which the wisdom and beautiful truths of the spiritually advanced civilization of the Cryf people lend depth and meaning. Paula Luedtke
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