The stunning conclusion to the epic fantasy trilogy that began with Half a King, praised by George R. R. Martin as "a fast paced tale of betrayal and revenge that grabbed me from page 1 and refused to let go". Words are weapons. Princess Skara has seen all she loved made blood and ashes. She is left with only words. But the right words can be as deadly as any blade. If she is to reclaim her birthright, she must conquer her fears and sharpen her wits to a lethal edge. Only half a war is fought with swords.