Aren Tiernal knows that safety is an illusion, that his cruel and powerful brother will never forgive his betrayal. Still, returning to Tyrea to challenge Severn for the throne would be suicide. It's not until Severn himself comes to collect what's owed to him that Aren decides to risk everything in an attempt to bring down the most powerful Sorcerer Tyra has ever known. The mission seems doomed to fail, but it's Aren's only chance to save himself, his country, and the woman who thawed his heart. Rowan Greenwood should be a great Sorceress, but years of being closed off from her magic have left her unable to control her incredible power. When a pair of ominous letters arrive from her home country, Rowan has to choose between her new life and a chance at saving her family - and just maybe changing an entire country's beliefs about the evils of magic. Torn apart by separate quests, Rowan and Aren must discover untapped strengths and confront their darkest fears in order to overthrow a ruler determined to destroy them both.