WINGS OF LIFE

In this fantasy, a noblewoman gets sent by her family to a foreign court to spy under the guise of a betrothal.

Serae of Cavendaffe, rebellious and sharp-tongued, has never been a typical Inraen lady, much to her parents’ chagrin. After Serae’s family is devastated by a report of her brother Bale’s presumed death in battle, her father charges her with a mission. She is to be betrothed to the son and heir of the Rihtish ruler but only as a ruse. Once welcomed into Rihtlond, she will learn as much information as she can and send it home to her father in coded messages. Serae is horrified at the thought of living among people she has been told are savages, believing them responsible for killing her brother, and resents the risk her father is taking with her life. At first, she chafes at the vast cultural differences between Inra and Rihtlond and is greeted with hostility and abuse by the people. Gradually, she wins them over, begins to feel more at home, and is increasingly drawn to the brooding weapons master Wep (“He cut an impressive figure, and Creator was it annoying. He was all perfectly honed muscles and looming height. Worse, everyone in this room looked at him with more than just deference—they respected him”). Soon, she starts to doubt her commitment to her father’s plan. Yet Rihtlond harbors ancient magic and when a supposedly extinct dragon claims Serae for its own, her life is forever changed. Featuring a striking cast of characters, Le Fay’s vivid novel is the first in what will doubtless prove to be an eventful, intricately plotted series. The first half drags a bit, as much page time is devoted to Serae’s rigorous training, assorted challenges, and adjustment to life in Rihtlond. But in the second part, the various plot threads are deftly woven together to create a dramatic conclusion while setting up the next book. Fantasy fans will find much to enjoy in this rich, sprawling story, from the dragons and heart-pounding battle scenes to the spicy romance between Serae and Wep.

A lustrous tale for fantasy lovers that offers magic, intrigue, battles, and romance.