The Tainted Realm

“Irvine is a veteran storyteller who excels in sustaining complex plots with well-rounded characters. Here, he delivers a compelling tale of vengeance, loyalty, and the search for a place in the world.”

– Starred review, Library Journal (US)

TEN YEARS AGO, TWO CHILDREN WITNESSED A MURDER that still haunts them as adults.

Tali watched as two masked figures killed her mother, and now she has sworn revenge. Even though she is a slave. Even though she is powerless. Even though she is nothing in the eyes of those who live underground, she will find her mother’s killers and bring them to justice.

Rix, heir to Hightspall’s greatest fortune, is tormented by the fear that he’s linked to the murder, and by a sickening nightmare that he’s doomed to repeat it.

When a chance meeting brings Tali and Rix together, the secrets of a kingdom are uncovered and a villain out of legend returns to throw the land into chaos. But before Tali and Rix can save the realm – and themselves – they must learn to trust each other.