3 Review(s)

This standalone companion novel returns to Bradley P. Beaulieu's Song of Shattered Sands epic fantasy universe Ceda is the youngest pit fighter in the history of Sharakhai. She's made her name in the arena as the fearsome White Wolf. None but her closest friends and allies know her true identity. But this all changes when she crosses the path of Ruemayesh, an ehrekh, a sadistic creature forged aeons ago by the god of chaos. The ehrekh are desert dwellers, but for centuries Ruemayesh has lurked in the dark corners of Sharakhai, combing the populace for human "jewels" that might interest her. Some she chooses to stand by her side, until she tires of them and discards them. Others she abducts to examine more closely, leaving them ruined, worn-out husks. Ceda flees the ehrekh's attentions, but that only makes Ruemayesh covet her more. Ruemayesh grows violent, threatening to unmask Ceda as the White Wolf-but the danger grows infinitely worse when she turns her attention to Ceda's friends. As Ceda fights to protect the people dearest to her, Ruemayesh comes closer to attaining her prize, and the struggle becomes a battle for Ceda's very soul.