Mission of Magic — Julie Dean Smith

A princess must learn to wield her own magic if she is to save her kingdom -- and her own life -- from the cruel reign of her brother in this fantasy saga.

Princess Athaya of Caithe paid dearly for revealing her magical gifts: the loss of loved ones, excommunication from the Church, and a death warrant on her head. She barely escaped the kingdom of Caithe with her life, and yet she is already plotting her return.

Despite months of grueling instruction, Athaya is only beginning to grasp the full extent of her talents. Her battle-magic is still unpredictable and her spell path-maps are incomplete. But Athaya is running out of time. While she's been away training, the Lorngeld continue to suffer under the reign of her brother Durek.

Athaya swore she'd abolish the Church's murderous rite of absolution and legalize the teaching of magic to the Lorngeld. But fulfilling those promises won't be easy. Though Athaya is aided by a powerful group of wizards, her brother will not rest until she is defeated.