Celin'Laen is tracking his fellow fae through the True Wood in order to kill him. But this isn't about revenge or bloodlust. It's a mercy to end the fallen creature's suffering. In order to carry out the deed, Celin'Laen must enter the ruins of his former home and relive the painful memories of kinder days. Faced with the ghosts of a distant age, can he still bring himself to slay his own prince? This is an exclusive prequel to Wintervale.

Magic is against the law. He must use it anyway. The Crow King has outlawed magic. Despite the kingdom’s edict, Gwyn plunges into the ancient and deadly True Wood to find a magical cure for his dying brother. Within the shadowed realm, he must fend off more than violent and fallen fae-like Ilidreth when he learns the king is out to stop him at whatever cost. On his desperate quest, he is joined by a unicorn, a quirky girl, and the maddest of the fallen fae. Together they must outrun enchanted crows and enemy armies, and face the ghosts of a shattered age, all while racing to save Gwyn’s brother. Meanwhile, war brews between countries, and a secret order of mages hunts Gwyn down. Yet none of this can prepare Gwyn for the harrowing truth behind the fall of the Ilidreth long, long ago, and what it means for his life and his homeland.

Magic is waking. War has begun. Down with the king. Fifteen months ago, Gwyn discovered he’s the rightful king of Simaerin, last of the ancient line of Wintervale. Now he leads an army against the tyrannical Crow King. But first, Gwyn and his ragged army of tradesmen, peasants, and escaped slaves must brave the cruel winter months without proper supplies or shelter while trying to rescue the residents of a port city sentenced to death and avoid the menacing mercenary forces of Hesh-Kasal. On top of that, Gwyn has to balance politics among his generals, defend against a dragon assault, and seize a keep filled with vile magic and a terrible history. Confronted with true loyalty and bitter betrayal in turns, Gwyn wrestles against his own doubts to find the line between trust and wisdom. As the death toll rises, and Gwyn struggles with the horrors and sacrifices of war, he comes to understand why the Crow King has fallen, and now Gwyn must face the same path and the same choice.