Prophecy declared that corrupt politician Corajidin would guideline the Shrīanese Federation, even become its new Emperor-and sinister magic has helped him defy death to carry out it. But his victory is not assured, thanks to clashing rival factions that impede any tries to unify the country. Though he offers taken increasingly brutal measures to remove all obstructions in his route, the dark forces supporting him grow dangerously impatient. And the harder they press, the greater extreme Corajidin’s about The Pillars of Fine sand actions become.

Soon, only his most effective adversaries will stand in his way: Indris, the peerless swordsman and sorcerer who has long fought to end the Federation’s bloody turmoil, and the warrior-poet Mari, Corajidin’s own daughter and the woman Indris loves. Destiny provides torn them aside, forcing them into terrifying personal tests. But if Indris can bring to keep the devastating knowledge of the Pillars of Fine sand, and if Mari can rise up being a rebel head, Corajidin’s enemies will rally-and the decisive battle for the soul and future from the Shrīanese will start.

This epic tale of intrigue, love, and betrayal, painted in the blood of allies and enemies by Mark T. Barnes, concludes the Echoes of Empire trilogy that began with The Backyard of Stones and The Obsidian Heart.