Rasena Valentis is an empire in a world where people believe that planets are wandering stars. A world where armies fight battles with bows, swords … and magic. It is a world of humans, dryads, naiads, shape-shifting dragons, and fire-wielding salamanders. But the world as they know it may come to an end …
In a cozy library in the southern reaches of the empire of Rasena Valentis, five seers gather one night. They have all had the same horrifying vision: an endless multitude of giants will appear on the morning of a sunless dawn, burning the sky and shaking the pillars of heaven. One woman will stand against them.
For four of the seers, the prophecy is a terrifying and bewildering vision of the future. But for their leader Nensela, it is an answered prayer … and her worst nightmare come true. The giants come from no land in the Known World, and the power they wield is one that sorcerers could only covet. Their insidious allies slay anyone who learns of the giants — and may even have the power to interdict the gods themselves.
Now, Nensela must gather to her side unlikely allies of her own: Edana Nuriel, an orphan whose rise to success reveals a sinister volley in their war … Elisabet Bessa Philomelos, an aspiring playwright whose very words may sow seeds that bear fruit in deeds … and from distant Lyrcania, land of gunpowder and artificers comes Alia Ironwing, a priestess carefully trained by dryads to serve as their last, best chance of victory.
The imperial astronomers can offer only one hope: They have one thousand days until the sunless dawn.
One thousand days to stop a prophecy.
One thousand days to save the world.
Or see hell unleashed.
Giants have come to the empire of Rasena Valentis. Are they demons summoned by sorcerers? Invaders from an undiscovered country? Or heralds of an unspeakable doom?
From an idyllic vineyard to lairs guarded by fantastic beasts, with thrilling quests via magic portals, a few brave souls must battle their way to the very gates of the cosmos itself.
Come visit a world where the springs of naiads can heal the sick, where relics of fallen foes can protect the innocent, and where an enemy can be spied in the tears of a goddess.
When giants attack her vineyard, a playwright wonders: are they demons sent by sorcerers, or invaders from an undiscovered country? Joining forces with a long-lost friend and a mysterious seer, she learns they must either stop a prophecy … or die trying.
In Rasena Valentis, the Night of the Burning Sky births new perils for the survivors. In Lyrcania, a huntress battles to save dryads from sorcerers wielding power they should not possess. Anshan’s City of the Magi may be their salvation ... or their doom.
A hard-won victory reveals a path as clear as it is perilous. There is no turning back. Careful stratagems and uneasy alliances must win them through infernal citadels to the very gates of the Cosmos. Destiny draws near ... and the Shadows grow ever closer ...