title: Sword of the Deceiver (Isavalta, Book 4)
author:  Sarah Zettel 
description: Zettel's satisfying conclusion to her Isavalta series (after 2004's <i>The Firebird's Vengeance</i>) illuminates the inner workings of the royal court of the Hastinapura Empire through the eyes of 19-year-old Princess Natharie of Sindhu, taken there as tribute from her father, King Kiet of the neighboring realm of Sindhu. Though women in Hastinapura are sequestered, they plot and peddle influence as deftly as the politicians, generals and priests who clamor for Emperor Chandra's attention. Chandra's honorable brother, Prince Samudra, does his best to influence his stern brother, but a year away carrying out diplomatic duties has weakened his own alliances at court. As Isavalta's nations chafe under Hastinapura's rule, Samudra and Natharie are caught up in a web of intrigue that could enmesh the land in all-out war. The fast-paced, complex story works well as a stand-alone and is sure to appeal to fans of both epic fantasy and romance. <i>(Mar.)</i> <br />Copyright  Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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  # Prologue
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Agony seared through Isalla as the wind whipped by her face in a dull roar
  that suppressed all other sound. Pain radiated from the numerous wounds she’d
  received, most notably from her back, but also from a half-dozen other wounds
  and the virulent poison that seeped through her body like dull flames. Worst
  of all was the collar around her neck, its spikes buried in her flesh as it
  slowly pumped more of the poison into her.
  
  
  If Isalla still had her wings, she might be able to redirect her course
  somewhat, or even get help, but Haral had taken pleasure in severing them with
  a flaming sword that cauterized the wounds. The poison steadily weakened
  Isalla as well, and with the tendons severed in her arms and legs, her limbs
  were worse than useless for trying to change her course as Isalla fell from
  the clouds.
  
  
  The fall was long, and if she could have, Isalla would have cursed the
  traitors who’d ambushed her. As she fell t