National bestselling author Anne Bishop’s novels have been hailed as “genuine gems” (SF Site) and “lavishly sensual” (Library Journal). In her highly anticipated second book in the Tir Alainn Trilogy, she weaves a dazzling tale of romance, high adventure, and thrilling fantasy.
Ever since the slaughter of the witches, the Fae—who should be shielding their long-lost cousins from danger—have ignored the needs of the rest of the world. And shadows are again gathering in the eastern villages—dark, potent shadows that threaten the lives of every witch, woman, and Fae. Only three Fae can stand against the growing madness and help prevent more bloodshed—the Bard, the Muse, and the Gatherer of Souls.
Aiden, the Bard, knows how desperately the world depends upon the Fae’s protection. But the Fae refuse to heed his warnings about the wickedness lurking amid the trees. Now Aiden and his one true love—Lyrra, the Muse—must embark on a perilous journey to find the one Fae who can convince the rest to leave their secure perches to save the witches and mortals. Because if the Fae don’t act soon, no one will survive.
“A vivid fantasy world . . .. Beautiful”—Book Browser

It began as a witch-hunt. But the Master Inquisitor's plans to eliminate all traces of female power in the world have expanded to crushing the Sylvalan barons who oppose him-and to destroying the wellspring of magic in the Mother's Hills.