Book 3 of the Dion Chronicles
In search of her missing niece Dally, Dion arrives in luxurious Akieva, the
glorious and corrupt capitol of decadent Aramaya. Here, at the dazzling
court of the handsome young emperor, Dion discovers her niece trapped
in the web of necromancy and deceit hiding within the magnificent Winter
Palace. But Dion's arch enemy lurks at the center of the web, Bedazzer, the
ruthless demon who has vowed to possess her-no matter the cost. In the
ensuing deadly conflict, Dion must confront the dark secrets of her own
heart and the mighty evil concealed in those around her.
Winner of the Aurealis Award 1999
"Like its predecessors, the book combines romance, mystery and adventure
in a fantasy setting. Routley deserves credit for superior world-building and
above average characterization . . . covering familiar ground with more
aplomb than are many of her colleagues."
-Publishers Weekly
"Probably the best of the Dion books so far. It seems to find the right
balance between the action, the heart-rending stuff and humour."
-Emerald City
"Combines demon-fighting fantasy with regency romance and the icy
spectacle of a Russian historical."
-Locus
"Noteworthy, world building . . . Routley has created a setting strongly
redolent of the European Renaissance . . . and she realizes it with skill and
scholarship."
-Booklist
