Book excerpt: A journey of wonders and hazards. THE SCHOLAR Time is running out for the world of Genoa and its magical peoples. A wizard’s past mistake must now be set right if Genoa is to survive the battle that is to come. Anna is clearly different from others. With obvious physical differences and powerful abilities, she’s never quite fit in… anywhere. Having no knowledge of her parents, she sets out to discover her true origin. On the run for most of her life, she’s become a master at eluding capture, even a little cocky you might say. When a sticky situation forces her hand, she hitches a ride with a wizard, who whisks her away to another world, where, according to him, she’d been exiled from as a child. This new magical place seems oddly familiar as Anna discovers powerful enemies and treasured allies on her quest for answers. The dangerous journey thrusts her headlong into the arms of Kriston, who finds himself caught between sworn-duty and insatiable curiosity. THE WARRIOR Dragon-warrior, Té has spent her life hiding from the power-hungry king. Raised by her wizard in the native ways of warrior combat and dragon riding, Té must now put her skills to the test, joining forces with Kriston to protect Anna as they travel to the safety of Valorna where the queen awaits their arrival THE QUEEN With the brutal murder of her parents, Tress assumes the immense responsibility of unifying Genoa. Ruling a vast kingdom of wizards, sorcerers, and mystical creatures, she fights to rid Genoa of its tyrant, Gillard. Surrounded by spies and the threat of war, Genoa’s only hope of survival lies in Tress’s long-awaited reunion with the fearless dragon warrior and the prized scholar in her protection.