New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce returns to the magical
world of Winding Circle.
On their way to the first Circle temple in Gyongxi, mages Briar,
Rosethorn, and Evvy pay a visit to the emperor's summer palace. Although
treated like royalty when they first arrive, the mages soon discover
that the emperor plans to invade Gyongxi, posing a fatal threat to the
home temple of the Living Circle religion. Accompanied by one of the
emperor's prize captives, the three mages rush to Gyongxi to warn its
citizens of the impending attack. With the imperials hot on their trail,
Briar, Rosethorn, and Evvy must quickly help the country prepare for
battle. But even with the help of new allies, will their combined forces
be enough to fight the imperial army and win the war?