From Goodreads: Growing up not far from the road to Chinta on the edge of the Jungle Dragon, Tallen is excited to have her two brothers home. Recent times have been hard, Tallen herself barely surviving an attack by a derelict stranger in their very own barn.

The war that never was has relieved them of their duty at Chinta, so much so, that her father, the Sergeant of the Guard, is able to return for a visit, bringing news of a possible suitor for Tallen, given that she is almost of that age.

Tallen is not sure what she wants, and the man her father brings home is not what anyone expected. But at least she knows that her family has her best interests at heart when the pompous, self-interested merchant’s son is sent back to Chinta.

The aftermath of the Offworlder’s quest remains uncertain, the battle apparently lost. But for a reluctant Tallen, the journey is only just beginning, upon a path from which there may be no return.

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Tallen, a character briefly met in Quest of the Demon, is back and the center of attention in this new book by M.L. Sawyer.  A much darker book than the original, Sawyer dives deep into the world of a young woman betrayed and looking for revenge.  Though I felt terribly sorry for Tallen throughout much of the book, I found her to be an extremely strong, very well written character.  And, though I didn’t always agree with her choices, I completely understand where she is coming from and how grief and anger can cloud a person’s judgment.  Sawyer has created a very real character in that of Tallen, and I truly enjoyed reading her story. 

Again, Sawyer has left the ending of the novel open for a sequel, and I am very interested to know what happens next for Tallen, especially as there is much foreshadowing throughout the novel.  I also really enjoyed how Sawyer tied events from Quest of the Demon to those with Tallen, and I am excited to read more of both stories.  Three and a half stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.