The story begins with Liobhan and Dau back at Swan Island and living as the warriors they are, but also as a couple, at least when they get the chance to spend a night or two together. Liobhan is training a new girl named Elka, who is Norse like fellow Swan Island resident Hrothgar, and the girl shows lots of promise, but she is very secretive, especially as it relates to anything regarding magic. The island receives the troubling news that Liobhan and Brocc's older brother Galen has been viciously attacked, along with his charge and dear friend, Aolu, the crown prince of the kingdom of Dalraida, who is currently missing and presumed kidnapped. More troubling is the fact that both humans and the deadly Crow Folk were involved in the attack. Swan Island is asked to assist in finding the prince, but since her brother is involved, Liobhan has to sit this one out and Dau goes with another member of the team to investigate.
Meanwhile, in the fey world, there is trouble in paradise between Brocc and Eirne, despite the fact that she has recently birthed their beautiful daughter, Niamh. Eirne has been distant, and is his spare time, Brocc has taken it upon himself to communicate with the Crow Folk, specifically one he has named Shadow who was previously tortured by Dau's wicked brother, Seanan. While Eirne sees them as evil, Brocc believes there's a reason for their behavior and he hopes to set things right for them. Brocc has been gaining Shadow's trust and it seems the pair can communicate by sharing thoughts, but when Eirne discovers this, her violent outburst results in horrible tragedy and, as a result, she banishes Brocc and their months-old daughter from her realm.
When Liobhan and Elka are called in as backup for Dau and his team, she also receives word that her brother Brocc and his infant daughter are in dire trouble. Does she help Brocc and disobey her orders to help find the prince? She knows the Crow Folk are involved in both situations and nothing is as it seems, if the vision she has seen is any indication. Can she help both of her brothers while still retaining her position on Swan Island? As she delves deeper into her mission, even her very relationship with Dau will be tested, and it will take all of her training just to survive.
I've only touched the tip of the iceberg with this one, but the stories are so deep and intertwined that to discuss them further would be unfair. Suffice it to say that you'll get a better understanding of some creatures and characters, and have a very magical and dangerous journey along the way.
I absolutely love the Warrior Bards series and highly recommend it, but definitely start with the first book. A nice chapter was closed in this novel, but I look forward to further adventures in this world.
