AustLit

'Belin has earned a comfortable retirement after years as a general in the service of the Bulvuran Empire. But, as is often the case with warriors, it isn't to be. Beset by visions of the demise of the Emperor, Belin strikes off across the leagues from the Delta province to the capital Raynor to save Empress Evelyn and her newborn child from death at the hands of the Eathal shapechanger and Sorcerer Geisel. The general’s legendary greatscythe skills will be put to the test against overwhelming opposition. He must overcome the treachery of those Suul who seek to profit from the fall of the Empire – and confront his own fears of Sorcery as he comes face-to-face with Geisel.' (Publication summary)

'Cedrin and his friend Marken journey north, seeking a new life as scythemen.

'Ellen leaves the politics of Raynor behind and continues her quest to find the true Scion. She joins Cedrin, convinced he holds some clue to the Scion’s identity. The fiercely independent Cedrin is drawn to Ellen, despite himself.

'They are pursued by the renegade Sorcerer Raziin, who dreams of revenge against Cedrin and Ellen for his defeat in Athria — and of the ultimate power of the Spear of Carris, promised to him by the Seer of Ciofran-Ac. Raziin alone knows that Cedrin is the key to obtaining it.

'As Cedrin and Ellen struggle to stay alive on a lawless continent torn by war, they are being drawn by hidden forces toward a lethal contest for the awesome power of the Spear of Carris, where the identity of the true Scion will be revealed.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Following on from events in Scytheman, Cedrin travels north with his small but fiercely loyal court. Ellen, disinherited heir to the throne of Athria, by his side. Having thwarted renegade Sorcerer Raziin’s plan to seize the Spear of Carris, they must travel to the Caverns of Ranmyden to claim it. Ancient forces awaken, intent on possessing the Spear’s ultimate power. The Behemoth – a malign spirit – seeks to control it through its chosen wielder Raziin. The hidden temple of Annan-Ac places powerful agents in Cedrin’s entourage, while the last of the Jakir order, whose power was broken by the Spear in antiquity, want it destroyed at all costs. If Cedrin can survive the forces arrayed against him he must make the final choice — destroy Raziin or use the power of the Spear to save Yos.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.