The two kinds of magic have always been totally separate. Until now.
Vatar risked his life to try to save his friend–and failed. Now he has an implacable enemy in the shaman, who blames Vatar for the death of his only son. He’s forced to flee his home, at least until the shaman’s thirst for revenge cools.
Taking shelter with his mother’s people in one of the coastal cities, Vatar learns more than he bargained for. He agreed to learn to work iron and steel, but he never suspected to find a magical heritage as well.
And that’s a problem. A huge problem. Because unlike their own Spirit magic, his people regard the city magic as the work of Evil Spirits. If the shaman ever found out about this, it could be the weapon he needs to destroy Vatar.
And yet, finding a way to accept the other side of his heritage may be the only way Vatar can ultimately defeat his enemy and win more than his freedom.
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 his Talent from his magic-fearing people or face consequences that don’t bear thinking about. But he has to control it in order to keep it secret. And now he’s not sure he can. It’s enough to make him want to give up on magic altogether.
But he’s going to need all his wits—and all the magic he can muster—to defeat those who want to use him and his unique abilities for their own ends.
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 captured, he’ll be forced to prove his boast that it’s impossible to imprison anyone who can do what he can—or die.
In the final book of the Dual Magics series, Vatar will need both kinds of magic to prevent all-out war.
Enemies unite to move against his adopted city, just when that city is torn by unrest. Vatar started the turmoil by revealing secrets that had been kept for six hundred years. Now, he’s forced to accept the responsibility and power he’d rejected in order to bring the population together against this threat.
And the greater challenge is still ahead, when the enemy turns their attack onto the plains. The magic-fearing tribe of his birth have no way to stand against the sorcery that will be unleashed against them. Unless Vatar and his friends defend them.
But that may cost Vatar his first home, his identity, and half his family. Because if he reveals his magic, he may never be able to go home again.
Boxed Set containing:
The Shaman’s Curse
The Voice of Prophecy
Beyond the Prophecy
and the short story “Modgud Gold”
Living among a people who distrust magic in any form, Kiara has a secret. She can sense magic in others and she’s maddeningly sure that she has the potential for magic, too. She just can’t quite reach it. Considering the way her people react to magic, that might be just as well.
When her people are threatened, Kiara must make the choice whether to reveal her hidden talents in order to save them. And to trust the one man who can help her learn to use her magic–the same man who betrayed her trust once before.
Changing his apprenticeship from the Smiths’ Guild to the Merchants’ gives Arcas a second chance. Not just for a career that suits him far better, but also to prove himself worthy of the lovely Elaria.
But to accomplish that, he must leave his seaside city—and Elaria—for a year. In that time, he travels among the barbarians, hoping to find something to trade for that will be worth the hardships and dangers.
Something like gold.
Meredith Mansfield, Author 