Fredericks, Deby

Shenza Waik of Tresmeer is a young woman who has just completed her training as magister, a school of sorcery with a specialty in criminal investigation. Then the first lord who rules her home is shockingly murdered, and an innocent man is arrested for the crime. Political factions begin maneuvering for a resolution that is favorable to them. The enigmatic nature spirits want revenge for the slaying. In order to prove her worthiness to become a magister, Shenza must carry out justice while resisting pressure to wrongly convict the accused man. Meanwhile, the killer remains free. Shenza must find him before she becomes his next victim.

Chimi Has a Secret. Young and pretty, Chimi dreams of a bright future. She also has a secret: Chimi sees ghosts. Restless spirits follow her everywhere. They recognize her as a true necromancer, mystically called to right the wrongs that won’t let them rest in peace. Desperate to escape her unwanted destiny, Chimi turns to her older sister for help. Shenza is a magister, trained to investigate crimes with her magic. Responsible and reliable, Shenza insists that Chimi accept her new gift. Shenza Has a Secret, Too A fisherman’s daughter elevated to high rank, Shenza has met the perfect man and knows he can never be hers. First Lord Aspace is about to get married, but his bride’s family may be connected to a grisly unsolved murder in Shenza’s past. Worse, someone has offended the mighty nature spirits. They demand retribution. If Shenza fails, they will raise a volcano to destroy the town and everyone in it. So Many Secrets, So Little Time Can the sisters, so much at odds, work together to save their home and their loved ones?

Brastigan knows it well enough; he is 13th in line for the throne, and he is bored. A misfit and rogue, Brastigan keeps busy drinking and fighting, until one day he nearly dies in a brawl. Was it an accident -- or attempted murder? Before he can find out, Brastigan is packed off on a "noble quest" to find the sorceress Yriatt, who may be able to answer his questions. With him goes Lottres, his half-brother and life long friend. But Lottres has his own reasons for wanting to see Yriatt. His secret threatens to tear their friendship apart. Meanwhile, their sister Therula waits and worries about her lover, Pikarus, who went with the two princes on their quest. She alone realizes that Crutham has been infiltrated by forces of darkest sorcery. It's a race against time in this story of romance, treachery and the bond between brothers. Only Brastigan, who doesn't fit in anywhere, can thwart the secret traitor -- and maybe find out where he truly belongs.