I picked up this book because I remembered very much enjoying Berg's writing in her first trilogy, and was not disappointed, EXCEPT that this book ended on a cliffhanger, which was VERY disappointing since I had not bought the sequel (a problem now fixed - sequel is on order).

Berg's output is impressive and I'm surprised she's not a name I see more of, because everything I've read of hers has been well-written and had interesting characters. This book features Magnus Valentia de Cartamandua-Celestine, aka Valen, a pureborn sorceror who has rebelled against his abusive family, renounced his magic, and fled to live in poverty and anonymity. Taking shelter in a monastery with his only remaining possession, a book of maps that the dyslexic Valen can't even read, he finds himself unexpectedly caught up in the battle between the recently deceased King Eodward's would-be successors and the mysterious fairy-like lands of the mythical Danae.

Suffice it to say there are plenty of surprises, betrayals, and other plot twists and I'm looking forward to reading the next book!