Imriel de la Courcel's blood parents are history's most
reviled traitors, while his adoptive parents, Phèdre and
Joscelin, are Terre d'Ange's greatest champions. Stolen,
tortured, and enslaved as a young boy, Imriel is now a
Prince of the Blood, third in line for the throne in a land
that revels in beauty, art, and desire.
After a year abroad to study at university, Imriel returns
from his adventures a little older and somewhat wiser. But
perhaps not wise enough. What was once a mere spark of
interest between himself and his cousin Sidonie now ignites
into a white-hot blaze. But from commoner to peer, the
whole realm would recoil from any alliance between Sidonie,
heir to the throne, and Imriel, who bears the stigma of his
mother's misdeeds and betrayals. Praying that their passion
will peak and fade, Imriel and Sidonie embark on an
intense, secret affair.
Blessed Elua founded Terre d'Ange and bestowed one simple
precept to guide his people, love as thou wilt. When duty
calls, Imriel honors his role as a member of the royal
family by leaving to marry a lovely, if merely sweet, Alban
princess. By choosing duty over love, Imriel and Sidonie
may have unwittingly trespassed against Elua's law. But
when dark powers in Alba, who fear an invasion by Terre
d'Ange, seek to use the lovers' passion to bind Imriel, the
gods themselves take notice.
Before the end, Kushiel's justice will be felt in heaven
and on earth.