In his Novels of the Change, New York Times bestselling author S.M.
Stirling presents "a devastated, mystical world that will appeal to fans
of traditional fantasy as well as post-apocalyptic SF" (Publishers
Weekly, starred review). Continuing their quest that began in The
Golden Princess, two future rulers of a world without technology risk
their lives seeking a fabled blade...
Reiko, Empress of Japan, has allied herself with Princess Órlaith, heir
to the High Kingdom of Montival, to find the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, the
Grass-Cutting Sword, a legendary treasure of an ancient dynasty that
confers valor and victory to its bearer. Órlaith understands all too
well the power it signifies. Her own inherited blade, the Sword of the
Lady, was both a burden and a danger to her father, Rudi Mackenzie, as
it failed to save the king from being assassinated.
But the fabled sword lies deep within the Valley of Death, and the
search will be far from easy. And war is building, in Montival and far
beyond.
As Órlaith and Reiko encounter danger and wonder, Órlaith's mother,
Queen Mathilda, believes her daughter's alliance and quest have
endangered the entire realm. There are factions both within and without
Montival whose loyalty died with the king, and whispers of treachery and
war grow ever louder.
And the Malevolence that underlies the enemy will bend all its forces to
destroy them.
