Book excerpt: From a premier fantasist and author of the Riftwar Legacy comes the first installment in an much-anticipated new series. . . . “Feist has a natural talent for keeping the reader turning the pages.”—Chicago Sun-Times From the New York Times bestselling author comes a thrilling new epic of adventure and deceit set in his signature world of Midkemia. In a distant land, high among the snow-capped mountains, a peaceful nation is mercilessly put to the sword . . . yet one will survive. Little more than a boy, Talon of the Silver Hawk must carry on until, someday, he can take vengeance. Leaving the icy fastness of his ancient home, Talon descends into the dangerous land of his adversary. Treading a perilous path, he must survive battlefields, court intrigues, treacherous enemies, backstabbing friends, and beautiful yet deadly women to discover the evil responsible for the annihilation of his people.