Fortress of Ice (Fortress Series #5) »

C. J. Cherryh—three-time winner of the coveted Hugo Award—is one of today's best-selling and most critically acclaimed writers of science fiction and fantasy. The author of more than fifty novels, she makes her home in Spokane, Washington.

Two surprising allies have emerged to aid the embattled ruler in a struggle he must win: Cefwyn's two young sons. Aewyn Marhanen is the prince destined to rule. Aewyn's half-brother, Elfwyn Aswydd—the bastard son of the king and the sorceress Tarien Aswydd—has spent years unaware of his parentage, yet now it is his time to emerge and claim the gifted birthright he's been denied for so long.

But a dark, sinister magic has crept close to the young man and seized hold of the kingdom. Nothing is as it seems, as the bonds of family strain against the powerful forces that would see them undone—and the battle is joined to unmask and destroy the malevolence that threatens to unhinge the king's peaceful and fragile reign.

Publishers Weekly

Religious and ancient magical conflicts threaten the fragile peace of the divided kingdom of Ylesuin in Cherryh's fifth Fortress fantasy (after 2000's Fortress of Dragons), an intense coming-of-age story. Aewyn, the 15-year-old heir to the throne, has been raised apart from his illegitimate brother, Otter (aka Elfwyn), who resides with Gran, a hedge-witch. The boys, potentially future enemies, adore their father, King Cefwyn, who encourages their friendship by asking Otter to live with them after he turns 16. Almost immediately problems occur with the Quinalt, a religious sect that abhors Otter's mixed heritage. Strange encounters in a haunted library and a nightmarish visit from Otter's mother, an angry sorceress who has escaped from a tower prison, point to worse trouble to come. A helpful introduction will guide newcomers through the complex plot. (Nov.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.