Grand Conspiracy
Alliance of Light, Volume Two
On the world of Athera, two half brothers gifted of Light and Shadow stood together and defeated the Mistwraith. In defeat, their magical foe set its captors at odds, bestowing upon them a life long curse of enmity that has since woven three bitter wars and uncounted deadly intrigues.
Arithon s'Ffalenn, the Master of Shadow, is both mage-trained and masterbard, and the last living Prince of Rathain. His life has become the cipher upon which the fate of all the world must turn.
And the enemies who hunt him are legion...
The Prime Enchantress of the Koriani Order has vowed to lure him by baiting her trap with an innocent. She insists his capture will cripple her arch rivals, the Fellowship Sorcerers.
Lysaer s'Ilessid, regent of Avenor and half brother to Arithon, has used his gift and charisma to forge an Alliance of Light sworn to destroy the Master of Shadow. A genius of statecraft, Lysaer has unified nations and inspired the fervent to hail him as an avatar.
In this time of merciless intrigue, fanaticism and gold are raising new armies, while distrust of sorcery has set off a purge of the talented mageborn – none more reviled than Arithon. Through clever manipulation of events, his very name has become anathema. And now the volatile hatreds that spearheaded this campaign against Shadow have overtaken all reason.
Those friends and allies who stand in Arithon's defense are hobbled, or hazed, into retreat. And the Master of Shadow himself has fled from the curse's relentless insanity, seeking refuge at sea. Yet, for Arithon, the most pressing danger lies ahead. Elaira, the Koriani Enchantress who holds his heart, is about to be given the irrefutable command by the head of her order to help arrange his ultimate betrayal.
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Janny Wurts
Janny Wurts is a master of weaving intricate worlds, where the lines between light and shadow blur and complex characters navigate their destinies in landscapes of political intrigue and personal conflict. Known for her deeply immersive storytelling, Wurts transports readers to realms where magic, power, and betrayal collide, and where each decision carries consequences that echo through time.
Born and raised in the United States, Wurts's early passion for both visual art and literature would eventually inform her distinctive narrative style. With a background in fine art and a flair for illustration, she brings a visual richness to her prose that draws readers into the vivid tapestries of her fictional worlds. Her artwork is often as integral to the experience as her storytelling, adding depth and texture to her exploration of fantastical themes.
The Wars of Light and Shadow
The Wars of Light and Shadow consists of eleven books — considered a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
