There's an old adage, "Be careful what you wish for." Sometimes it doesn't matter whether one is wishing for something for themselves, or for someone else, the result can be more than what was bargained for. Such is the case of Captain Kallista Vayrl of the Adaran military. A powerful naitan, or magic user, she has learned to hone her power to perfection, wielding it with dexterity and intelligence. However, one or even a handful of natani cannot hope to hold back the invading Tibran force. Caught in the middle of the fray with her faithful bodyguard Torchay Omvir at her side, she fights with everything she has. Yet, it is not enough against tens of thousands of troop and cannon. When those around her start to die, she flings her heartfelt plea to the skies, asking for assistance, asking to be allowed to find the power to save her people. And the heavens answer.

Now, the "Godstruck" and chosen of "The One," Kallista cannot be unmarked, the power cannot be withdrawn from her. After slaying over 10,000 enemies in one burst of magic, without harming a single one of her own countrymen, her life and that of the honorable Torchay, who's loved her for many years, is drastically changed. What's more, her magic has changed. Where once it was exclusively of the North, now she has access to all the compass points, correlating directly to her mysterious tattoo. Who are those that are being sent to her from every corner, with tattoos of their own? Why can she talk to the dead and why is her new thousand-year-old guide only able to answer six questions every Hopeday? More importantly, how can she balance out the growing love and desire she feels for Torchay, as well as the others in her ever-growing ilian? In the end, will it all be enough for her to save not only herself and those she loves, but her country as well, from an evil worse than anyone could possibly imagine?

Dayton has created a delightful adventure, wielding character and plot like her characters themselves wield might and magic. It's a clever and engaging tale that weaves together myth and imagination tied off with plenty of passion. A legend of love, family, country and power, it delivers a fine read and is hard to put down. The reader won't be wishing for much more when the tale is done, save that Dayton continues to scribe something new.