The Vacant Throne

Ruled by the Mistress of the Skewed Throne, the city of Amenkor has just survived a devastating invasion by the mysterious Chorl, paying a terrible price both in the loss of lives and destruction in the city itself. Yet perhaps the most crucial loss is the throne of Amenkor—the true seat of power in every sense—now totally drained of the magic, knowledge, life force, and memories of previous rulers. The citys only hope lies with its sometime ally, the city of Venitte, home to the only throne that is twin in power to Amenkor's... Publishers Weekly The solid third Throne of Amenkor novel (after 2006's The Cracked Throne) delivers plenty of action and intrigue. Varis, the ruling Mistress of Amenkor, struggles to rebuild Amenkor's defenses and economy after a devastating attack by the seafaring Chorl. Varis was only able to save Amenkor by destroying the Skewed Throne, Amenkor's ancient seat of protective power, and now must rely on her own inner resources. Meanwhile, her mentor, Erick, tortured by the Chorl, lies near death. The arrival of a ship from the southern port city of Venitte brings the hope of alliance, especially if Varis can locate the Stone Throne, built to protect Venitte, but mysteriously lost centuries earlier. The hope that a lord in Venitte may be able to heal Erick pushes Varis to travel there, even as Chorl forces are on the move at sea and on land. Palmatier's intriguing characters and complex setting continue to entertain in this deservedly successful fantasy series.