Shadowcaster (Shattered Realms) by Cinda Williams Chima [Paperback]

A LIFELONG WAR Alyssa ana'Raisa is the reluctant princess heir to the Gray Wolf throne of the Fells, a queendom embroiled in a seemingly endless war. Hardened by too many losses, Lyss is more comfortable striking with a sword than maneuvering at court. After a brush with death, she goes on the offensive, meaning to end the war that has raged her whole life. If her gamble doesn't pay off, she could lose her queendom before she even ascends to the throne. A LIFE IN PERIL Across enemy lines in Arden, young rising star Captain Halston Matelon has been fighting for his king since he was a lytling. Lately, though, he finds himself sent on ever more dangerous assignments. Between the terrifying rumors of witches and wolfish warriors to the north and his cruel king at home, Hal is caught in an impossible game of life and death. THE SHADOW OF DEFEAT Set in the world of the acclaimed Seven Realms series, this is a thrilling story of the unfathomable costs of war, the allure of dark magic, and two principled and conflicted characters drawn together despite everything they stand to lose. A warrior PRINCESS, fighting to end an endless WAR. A young SOLDIER who hates to lose, defeated and TRAPPED behind enemy lines. A musician whose SONGS have the power to ENSNARE. Follow these young fighters as they fall under the shadow of a new enemy-a force that threatens to extinguish every last ray of light in the Shattered Realms.