Wonderful high fantasy, Book III of a projected five volumes in the Seven Realms series. Book I, The Demon King, introduces Raisa, a princess who has to flee when she turns 16 or be forced to wed the son of an evil wizard, and Han, the thief lord who discovers he has the powers of a wizard but not the requisite training in how to use them. When Han meets the princess in disguise, he is attracted to her, without knowing who she is. Book II, The Exiled Queen, has them at the same academy, studying magic, falling in love, facing treachery and getting ready for impending battles. Book III has Raisa returning (after a harrowing set of adventures) to her kingdom, only to discover her claim to the throne is in danger. Han, now a powerful wizard, whose love for Raisa is threatened when he learns who she really is, must nevertheless defend her against assassins and threats from within and without the kingdom. This thoroughly-enjoyable page-turner has it all, bloody battles, court secrets and intrigue, true love thwarted by class differences, and spellbinding suspense. I can't wait for Book IV!