When the two kinds of magic combine in one person, unexpected things happen. Sensing the presence of lions is one thing. Any member of the Lion Clan could do that. When Vatar sees the hunt through the eyes of one of the big cats-well, that's something else altogether. And that's only the beginning of the unusual manifestations of his magic. When a mysterious voice only he can hear volunteers ancient wisdom, Vatar knows he's in trouble. After enduring an Ordeal to prove he isn't haunted by an Evil Spirit, Vatar thinks he may be possessed after all. Or losing his mind. Or cursed. He must hide...

Keep your head down. Don't draw attention. Above all, don't make yourself a target. Those are the rules seventeen-year-old Ailsa lives by. It's just part of being the daughter of the disgraced ex-king and living too close to his more-than-slightly paranoid successor. Ailsa isn't the only one affected by the new king's insecurities. The mages backed her father. Now the new king's repressive policies drive the mages out of the kingdom--and with them the magic that her desert country desperately needs to survive. Ailsa sets out to study magic so she can help keep Far Terra green. Her plans are...

The foundations of Vatar's world are unraveling. And being one of a handful graced-or cursed-with both kinds of magic makes Vatar a target. One member of the ruling Council sees him as an obstacle to furthering her power. Gerusa launches an unsanctioned attack on Vatar and his family. When that fails, she is forced to flee the city. But that's far from the end. Even from exile, Gerusa exerts influence, fomenting unrest and uncertainty. She intends to unseat the Council and replace it with herself as sole-and despotic-ruler. Unable to trust the Council, Vatar sets out to stop her. If he's...