Book 3 of the Dion ChroniclesIn search of her missing niece Dally, Dion arrives in luxurious Akieva, theglorious and corrupt capitol of decadent Aramaya. Here, at the dazzlingcourt of the handsome young emperor, Dion discovers her niece trappedin the web of necromancy and deceit hiding within the magnificent WinterPalace. But Dion's arch enemy lurks at the center of the web, Bedazzer, theruthless demon who has vowed to possess her-no matter the cost. In theensuing deadly conflict, Dion must confront the dark secrets of her ownheart and the mighty evil concealed in those around her.Winner of the Aurealis Award 1999"Like its predecessors, the book combines romance, mystery and adventurein a fantasy setting. Routley deserves credit for superior world-building andabove average characterization . . . covering familiar ground with moreaplomb than are many of her colleagues."-Publishers Weekly"Probably the best of the Dion books so far. It seems to find the rightbalance between the action, the heart-rending stuff and humour."-Emerald City"Combines demon-fighting fantasy with regency romance and the icyspectacle of a Russian historical."-Locus"Noteworthy, world building . . . Routley has created a setting stronglyredolent of the European Renaissance . . . and she realizes it with skill andscholarship."-Booklist