The Will of the Empress

In this standalone fantasy novel, a continuation of the Circle of Magic series, Lady Sandrilene fa Toren, now eighteen, reluctantly visits her cousin, the Empress of Namorn. What begins as a diplomatic obligation quickly devolves into a cunning trap by the Empress to keep Sandry in her brutal Empire, forcing her into an unwanted marriage and seizing her lands. Sandry is joined by her old friends, mages Daja, Tris, and Briar, who have grown apart and are dealing with their own personal struggles, including PTSD and new relationships. The narrative explores themes of rekindling friendship, standing up to injustice, political intrigue, and personal growth. Parents should note the book's considerable length (550 pages) and mature themes, including forced marriage customs, political manipulation, and a character dealing with trauma. While the publisher suggests an age range of 4-11, the complexity and length make it more suitable for readers aged 12 and up.

For years the Empress of Namorn has pressed her young cousin, Lady Sandrilene fa Toren, to visit her vast lands within the Empire's borders. Sandry has avoided the invitation for as long as it was possible. Now, listening to her guilty conscience, Sandry has agreed to pay that overdue visit. Sandry's uncle promises guards to accompany her. But they're hardly a group of warriors! They're her old friends from Winding Circle: Daja, Tris, and Briar. Sandry hardly knows them now. They've grown up and grown apart. Sandry isn't sure they'll ever find their old connection again-or if she even wants them to. When they arrive at the palace, it slowly dawns on Sandry why the Empress has really brought her to Namorn. She's set a cunning trap to keep Sandry in the brutal Empire forever, a simpering lady in her cousin's court and the miserable wife of a noble. The Empress has wily and powerful mages on her side. But so, of course, does Sandry... if she can get them to work together.