Cold Hillside — Nancy Baker

Uncaring Fae meddle with the lives of two human women, in this psychological dark fantasy by the author of The Night Inside.

Generations ago, a dying empire made a deal with the Faerie Queen for their survival. Each year, the Sidiana, the ruler of the mountain city of Lushan, must travel to the high plateau to pay her people's tribute and maintain their safety. But one year, the price is not paid. To satisfy the debt, Teresine, a former refugee slave turned advisor to the Sidiana, is forced to serve in the Faerie Queen's court, a treacherous realm where mortals like Teresine are mere pawns in an eternal struggle for power.

Years later, Teresine's great-niece Lilit is eager to attend the trading fair that has sprung up around the tribute. She discovers that nothing at the fair -- or with the fey -- is what it seems, and what began as an adventure leads to unexpected consequences. Now she must delve into the secret of her great aunt's past in the Faerie Court . . . in order to save her own future.

“A very smart fantasy that does not draw the reader into the world of the fantastic but rather makes the fantastic real. . . . Cold Hillside is sure to please fans of fantasy but I would dare anyone to pick up this book and not enjoy it.” -- Examiner.com