This prequel to the Old Kingdom series tells the story of how Sabriel's parents, Terciel and Elinor, met. In the Old Kingdom, a land of ancient and often terrible magics, orphan Terciel learns the art of necromancy from his great-aunt Tizanael. He is the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, and Tizanael is the Abhorsen, the latest in a long line of people whose task it is to make sure the Dead do not return to Life. Across the Wall in Ancelstierre, Elinor's only...

"The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne. Alina forges new alliances as she and Mal search for Morozova's last amplifier. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that alters her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields"--Provided by publisher.