The Blades of Acktar

Courage could cost him everything. Third Blade Leith Torren never questions his orders or his loyalty to King Respen until an arrow wound and a prairie blizzard drive him to the doorstep of the girls whose family he once destroyed. Their forbidden faith and ties to the Resistance could devastate their family a second time. Survival depends on obedience, but freedom beckons. How far does he dare go to resist the king and his Blades? No matter what Leith chooses, one thing is certain. Someone will die.

All lies have consequences. Promoted to the top rank among King Respen's assassins, First Blade Leith Torren hides his involvement with the Resistance. How many lies will it take to protect his secret? When the unthinkable happens, faith waivers. Friendships tear. What else will they be forced to deny? But this time, Leith faces his greatest fear. He can't save everyone.

The war for Acktar has begun. With his betrayal revealed, former Blade Leith Torren flees into the Sheered Rock Hills, pursued by King Respen's vengeful Blades. Left behind at Nalgar Castle, Renna Faythe tries to find her purpose, yet that purpose isn't what she expected. Brandi Faythe has been torn from her sister, and that isn't all right. If Leith can't rescue Renna, Brandi will take matters into her own hands. War demands sacrifice. Courage falters. Who will find the strength to defy King Respen?

Before the war, before the Blades, before the Leader, There was a boy and a scullery maid and a secret shame. One moonlit night of blood and knives destroyed their country and their lives forever. The Leader failed to die, but will he also fail to lead?