The story is complex and engrossing; fans of George R. R. Martin and Joe Abercrombie should particularly take note.' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY When kingdoms clash, every crown will be tarnished by the bloody price of ambition. The bastard lord Roric, rising up against his tyrant cousin, sheds more blood than he bargained for. A child prince, believed dead, sets his eyes on regaining his father's stolen throne. A duke's widow, defending her daughter, defies the ambitious lord who would control them both. And two royal brothers, Grefin and Balfre, divided by ambition, will learn the true meaning of treachery. Houses will fall, empires will be reborn, and those who seek the Falcon Throne will pay for it in blood. A major new fantasy epic begins, from international bestselling author of THE INNOCENT MAGE.