Taka Mal is worried that Cobalt the dark will attack them. So they kidnap Mel Dawnfield's uncle, Drummer. The queen of Taka Mal never imagined though that she would fall in love with the Minstrel.
Meanwhile Stonebreaker dies and on his deathbed tells Cobalt that he is a bastard who does not deserve his throne. Mel worries that Cobalt may find out that the man who protected Cobalt from Stonebreaker is really his father or uncle at the very least. Unfortunately, his grandfather's words makes Cobalt want to claim even more lands for himself.
The kidnapping of Drummer is all of the provocation Cobalt needs to go to war. Meanwhile, Taka Mal and Jazid need to join forces if either country wants to keep their thrones. Jazid, however, will not negotiate with a woman leader. Ozi, King of Jazid, however will join forces with Taka Mal if the queen marries him. He will then subjagate her and take her crown.
Or the queen could marry her cousin who will also take her crown and leave her out of the countries affairs. Or the queen could take option three. She could marry a commoner who is related to The King of Aronsdale and The Dark Prince by marriage thus creating a pact with the countries since Cobalt agrees not to attack a county ruled by a ralative of his wifes. On the plus side Drummer has no intention of taking the Queens crown and she is in love with him.
However, King Ozi, has a plan to force the Queen to marry him, take her throne, defeat Cobalt, take the misted cliffs and turn his armies against Aronsdale and Harsdown. His plan is simple. He would kidnapp Mel torture her, kill her and make it look like Taka Mal did it. However, he didn't count on Mel being the most powerful Mage alive. Nor did he count on Cobalt's fury when he believed his wife and heir murdered. The whole continent would pay for Ozi's transgressions.
I couldn't put this book down. In fact I'm not allowed to read anymore
at work. I went way over my fifteen minute break from reading this
book. 
It is full of political intrigue and drama.
New Years Resolution for 2008:
Always check for toilet paper before leaving the restroom!
re: The Dawn Star
This one took me a while to get into, but by the end I was having the same problem--couldn't put it down! I've learned to bring my less interesting books to work...otherwise it's so hard to come back after a lunch break spent reading. Of course every once in a while I stupidly break that rule...did it already this week.
I like Catherine's books
I like Catherine's books too. I haven't read this one yet, but it is in my TBR pile...er mountain.
Add some SPICE to your life.
re: Catherine Asaro
She`s definitely one of my favourite Luna authors. Hope you get a chance to read Dawn Star soon! I feel you on the mountain...and so little time to climb--er, read it...