A Sword Named Truth — Sherwood Smith

Over the course of five books, Sherwood Smith has enthralled readers with the world of Sartorias-deles. First in the military action of the "Inda "series and then in the magic-based cultural drama of "Banner of the Damned," Smith's books are a tour-de-force of deadly high politics, incredibly engaging worldbuilding, and nuanced examinations of power, love, and betrayal. Readers of all stripes have praised her for the master fantasist she is.

Woven throughout these sagas is a dark mystery: the dangerous, shadowed threat of Norsunder. With incredible powers only hinted at and rare appearances of enigmatic characters, Norsunder has loomed as the ultimate villain, the very highest of stakes, and a foreboding battle to come: the great story readers have been eagerly awaiting.

"A Sword Named Truth" begins that story. The first installment of a trilogy, "A Sword Named Truth" launches readers into the non-stop action, politics, and magical threats leading to Norsunder's return.

Our heroes span continents and cultures, ambitions and desires, but share one characteristic: they are young leaders. Many are rulers of unstable nations, growing into their power and themselves, but they are seeking ways to trust and bind themselves together - and find the strength to defend against a host that has crushed entire worlds.