Third in the 'Earthlight' sequence.
As the war which consumes Dervelai drags on, Algarve's reserves become more and more stretched. King Mezentio undertakes war on many fronts, and his main armies become sucked into the huge landmass of Unkerlant, their main enemy.
As conquered races are inducted into the Algarvian army, their fighting edge softens, and swift victory becomes ever more necessary, leading to the sacrifice of more and more Kaunians to allow Algarvian mages to create ever stronger sorcery.
Meanwhile, the mad king Swemmel of Unkerlant order the death of thousands of his own subjects in an attempt to match the magecraft of Algarve. But the deadliest magic of all may be occurring on a small island, where the ultimate weapon is being created.
Harry Turtledove's blending of World War Two with a wonderfully-realised fantasy setting has already gained great praise. From the once-proud Kaunians, who are herded into camps to die, to the brave yet doomed solders; from the generals, who try to carry out their rulers' unreasonable demands, to the resistance movements which form in occupied lands, this series is a tapestry of the finest fantasy can create.
