This was a dark and twisty story full of surprises and magic. As with all of her books, Kingfisher wove an intricate tale around the sorceress and her desire for control over power and riches.
Cordelia has been controlled by her mother, made to be obedient, for most of her life. She hates it, and hates watching her mother control others in the same way. When it goes beyond control and includes murder and manipulation, Cordelia tries her best to find a way out from under her mother's thumb.
Murder, betrayal, magic, and deceit fill this wonderful tale, and I loved every minute of it.