Sword of Fire

This first novel of an epic fantasy trilogy reintroduces readers to the beloved and bestselling world of Deverry, blending magic, politics, and adventure in an unforgettable setting. The bards are the people's voice--and their sword. All over the kingdom of Deverry, the common people are demanding reform of the corrupt law courts. In Aberwyn, the situation catches fire when Gwerbret Ladoic, second in authority only to the High King, allows a bard to starve to death rather than hear their grievances. Guildwoman Alyssa, a student at the local scholars' collegium, and Lady Dovina, the gwerbret's own daughter, know that evidence exists to overthrow the so-called traditional legal system, if they can only get it into the right hands. The powerful lords will kill anyone who threatens their privileges. To retrieve the proof, Alyssa must make a dangerous journey that will either change her life forever--or end it.

Katharine Kerr lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, his caregiver, and a cat. Although she spent her childhood in a Great Lakes industrial city, she became a confirmed Californian at age nine, when her family relocated there. She's the author of the Deverry series of epic fantasies, the Nola O'Grady series of light-hearted contemporary fantasy, the "Runemaster" duo, and a few science fiction works, mostly notably SNARE. Her website is www.deverry.com