Queen’s Hunt

The promise of Passion Play is realized in this complex sequel, a tale of intrigue among kingdoms on the brink of war. Ilse Zhalina and Raul Kosenmark pursue a dangerous game: Ilse is spying on the military and searching for the fabled magical gems called Lir’s jewels, while Raul is collecting information with his shadow court, seeking allies, and worrying over Ilse’s safety. After Ilse is captured and interrogated by their longtime enemy Markus Khandarr, she escapes with two other women: a queen in hiding and a disgraced soldier. Meanwhile, the cousin of Raul’s ex-lover sneaks into Raul’s household and joins his cause. Despite mutual mistrust, everyone works together in a masterful story of romance, honor, and a little bit of suspense, with plenty of history, geography, and mythology thrown in for good measure. This trip between the physical and magical realms is thrilling. (July)