A girl desperate to avenge her dead father, Thorn lives to fight. But when she is accused of murder, only the deeply cunning Father Yarvi can deliver her from execution, and he has a price. Soon Thorn is crossing half the world to find allies against the ruthless High King - and learning harsh lessons of blood and deceit. Beside her on the journey is Brand, a young warrior who hates to kill and believes himself a failure - though a chance at redemption is at hand. And so is an opportunity for Thorn to no longer be a pawn in the hands of the powerful, and carve her own path once and for all.