Boreal Moon Series by Julian May

This first book in the long-awaited epic fantasy from the author of The Many-Colored Land begins the saga of a land beyond the horizon, where the quest for power is eternal, where magic and mystery are feared above all, and where one man seeks to reign.

The second installment of an all-new saga--begun in Conqueror's Moon--of a land beyond the horizon, where the quest for power is eternal, where magic and mystery are feared above all, and one man seeks to reign.

King Conrig Ironcrown's plan-to preserve his ruthless reign over High Blenholme Island by marrying his heir, Orion, to a barbarian princess-lie in ruins. The Salka are launching an audacious attack to seize the heart of High Blenholme, and King Conrig-his magical powers and sanity fading-is once again preparing to use the foulest Beaconfolk sorcery to counter the monsters' massive invasion. As his kingdom faces collapse, King Conrig's only chance for peace lies deep in the past... moreKing Conrig Ironcrown's plan-to preserve his ruthless reign over High Blenholme Island by marrying his heir, Orion, to a barbarian princess-lie in ruins. The Salka are launching an audacious attack to seize the heart of High Blenholme, and King Conrig-his magical powers and sanity fading-is once again preparing to use the foulest Beaconfolk sorcery to counter the monsters' massive invasion. As his kingdom faces collapse, King Conrig's only chance for peace lies deep in the past. His former spy, Deveron Austrey, has secret magical powers- and no love for the Beaconfolk. But while the King's first wife is largely unremembered, she has not forgotten that her son Orion is the true heir to the throne of High Blenholme. less