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Book 3 of the Dion Chronicles In search of her missing niece Dally, Dion arrives in luxurious Akieva, the glorious and corrupt capitol of decadent Aramaya. Here, at the dazzling court of the handsome young emperor, Dion discovers her niece trapped in the web of necromancy and deceit hiding within the magnificent Winter Palace. But Dion's arch enemy lurks at the center of the web, Bedazzer, the ruthless demon who has vowed to possess her-no matter the cost. In the ensuing deadly conflict, Dion must confront the dark secrets of her own heart and the mighty evil concealed in those around her. Winner of the Aurealis Award 1999 "Like its predecessors, the book combines romance, mystery and adventure in a fantasy setting. Routley deserves credit for superior world-building and above average characterization . . . covering familiar ground with more aplomb than are many of her colleagues." -Publishers Weekly "Probably the best of the Dion books so far. It seems to find the right balance between the action, the heart-rending stuff and humour." -Emerald City "Combines demon-fighting fantasy with regency romance and the icy spectacle of a Russian historical." -Locus "Noteworthy, world building . . . Routley has created a setting strongly redolent of the European Renaissance . . . and she realizes it with skill and scholarship." -Booklist
