This is the first book in a series of five. Rusch spins a fascinating tale of the Fey, a magical people who live to conquer, and the peaceful people who inhabit Blue Island, the Fey's next planned conquest. Rusch has an unusual style, starting the story from the Fey's point of view. Rather than portraying them as the 'bad' guys, she presents their custom of conquering other peoples as a normal, logical way of life. The people of Blue Island, who don't even possess an army, are weak, and deserve to be conquered. The Fey feel their magic & military might make them destined to rule the world. Of course, the gentle Islanders don't see things quite the same way. A classic scene: Fey warrior to prisoner: "We value our own principles as much as you value yours. Just because you don't believe in them doesn't make them wrong." Islander: "Your principles are wrong, if they cost me my life." The Islanders also do not acknowledge they have their own brand of 'wild' magic which could be their salvation. Many Islanders feel that use of this power makes them a little too similar to the Fey. 0 An element of romance is introduced when, against all odds, the heiress to the Fey throne and the Islander prince fall in love. Their loyalty to their respective peoples tangles with the loyalty they come to feel they owe to each other, and eventually, their children. The inevitable clash of cultures leads to fanaticism, misunderstandings and unexpected betrayal on both sides. A campaign the Fey expected to last less than a week spans more than 20 years. The skilled warriors of the Fey are repeatedly outwitted by the Islanders, a people who have never known war or combat of any kind. All in all, it is an excellent story, with lots of excitement and adventure, a mystery or two, and an ending that leaves yo
