The Antlered King (The Raven's Trade, Book 2) Marianne Gordon 9780008536169

In this stunning conclusion to the Raven's Trade duology that began with The Gilded Crown, Hellevir's bargain with Death to bring the ones she loves back to life - including the princess she risked everything to save - may just lead to the ultimate sacrifice.

Hellevir's gift to raise the dead once thrust her into a dangerous web of court politics where she was bound to protect Princess Sullivain, the sole heir to the kingdom's throne. But the more Hellevir risked to keep Sullivain alive and the more deeply she fell in love with her, the greater the cost became. Lives can only be granted by the strange figure who rules the afterlife, and there is always a price to pay.

Now, as Sullivain's hunger for power grows and the threats to her reign become only too real, Hellevir is faced with the choice, either to help the Princess in her fight for the Crown, or stand against her. Cast out to the fringes of a country on the verge of civil war, Hellevir must unravel the last of Death's riddles and decide, once and for all, who deserves to live, and what a life is worth.

Marianne Gordon is a dark fantasy writer living with her partner and cat in Edinburgh. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys riding around the countryside on her motorbike (nicknamed Beastie). The Gilded Crown is her debut novel.

'Has the feel of an ancient fairy tale freshly told' Freya Marske, Sunday Times bestselling author of A Marvellous Light

'Fantastic series opener... A richly imagined beginning that shouldn't be missed' Kirkus

'Fascinating dark fantasy... A study of kindness and humanity. This series is off to a promising start' Publishers Weekly

'A beautiful fantasy full of quests, court intrigue, and star-crossed lovers...' Library Journal