Book six in the Gandalara Cycle, the fantasy adventure series that "as a whole is possibly the best of its kind in many years" (SF Chronicle). After a meteor explosion, Rikardon wakes in a new body--and in a strange desert land named Gandalara, where a sacred gem known as the Ra'ira grants its owner the power to rule--or to destroy . . . Victory is sweet--but for Rikardon and Tarani, it is all too brief. Although they have retrieved the sword of the Kings from the lost city of Kä, a savage battle with the vineh mars their journey back to Raithskar. These ape-like creatures were once controlled through the power of the Ra'ira. Now they pose a threat both to the cat-like sha'um and humanoid Gandalarans. To restore order, Rikardon and Tarani must travel to Eddarta, where Tarani can use the Ra'ira against the increasingly vicious vineh. First she must face her treacherous brother, Indomel, and convince the Council to name her High Lord in his place. Indomel will not take such betrayal lightly, but another danger is about to reveal itself--a sinister and ambitious traitor who has been hiding in plain sight all along. Praise for the Gandalara Cycle "Entertaining and well-paced . . . Full of swordplay and giant cats." --Theodore Sturgeon, The Twilight Zone Magazine "A kind of literary comfort food, undemanding escapism to sink into and enjoy." --SFF Chronicles