The first feat of inquisition, the doom of a race, and the providence guarding two matchless warriors, tipped together into a pot of spice and brought to a-boiling. The final product is wicked and cunning, with all the fey pattern-weaving, taut action, and maddening suspense we expect from historical fantasy's greatest writer. As an added bonus, we are introduced to one of the genre’s supreme female leads. Kay has written as well since, but never better.