In this book Mel, the daughter of Chime and Muller, is grown up. The family had been running Harsdown after Aronsdale defeated the warmonger Varquelle. The Dawnfields changed life in Harsdown for the better. However, not everyone was happy about Harsdown's new found prosperiety.
Cobalt the dark wanted revenge for his father, Varquelle. So he hatched a plot to free him from jail and regain the lands of Harsdown.
However, when Cobalt's grandfather showed intentions of acting dishonorably, Cobalt had to think fast and revise his plan. Instead of going to war with Harsdown and Aronsdale Cobalt proposed to marry Mel Dawnfield. His heir would then be king of both the misted cliffs and Harsdown. The only problem was he heard Melanie Dawnfield was just like a man.
Though Melanie could fight like a man, she definetely didn't look like one. Could she melt the heart of her new husband who had his heart beaten out of him by his uncaring grandfather, Stonebreaker?
And Mel doesn't just have to battle with Stonebreaker. Varquelle is just as much a menace in her new husband's life. Though Varquelle gives his son his love, acceptance and approval, things Cobalt always wanted, he is too focused on World Domination. Varquelle will push Cobalt to go to war with every country on the lost continent. Unless Mel can persuade him otherwise she will become not merely a queen but an Empress.
I had a few problems with the book. I would have liked Mel and Cobalt to be closer in age and I didn't like seeing him go to war against defenseless countries that did not provoke him in anyway. But the book was extremely enthralling. Absolutely hard to put down.
New Years Resolution for 2008:
Always check for toilet paper before leaving the restroom!
re: The Misted Cliffs
I agree about the age difference...that was a little creepy, and their relationship was weird to begin with. I thought it was really interesting seeing the perspective of someone who would otherwise be a villain--like you said re: Cobalt going to war unprovoked.