Dual Magics Series by Meredith Mansfield

Vatar risked his life to try to save his friend--and failed.Now he has an implacable enemy in the vengeful shaman, who blames Vatar for the death of his only son. In his isolation, Vatar finds some comfort in daydreams. He knows the strange girl he sometimes imagines is just that--a dream. She’d better be.Because, if she’s real things could get even worse for Vatar... moreVatar risked his life to try to save his friend--and failed.Now he has an implacable enemy in the vengeful shaman, who blames Vatar for the death of his only son. In his isolation, Vatar finds some comfort in daydreams. He knows the strange girl he sometimes imagines is just that--a dream. She’d better be.Because, if she’s real things could get even worse for Vatar. The accepted magic of Vatar’s plains tribe wouldn’t enable him to see or communicate with a girl he doesn’t even know--or know where to find. That would be more like the magic passed down in certain, closely-guarded bloodlines among the ruling class of the coastal cities. And that’s bad. Very bad.Unlike their own, Vatar’s people think the city magic is evil. If the shaman ever found out, it could be the weapon he needs to destroy Vatar. And yet, finding a way to accept the other side of his heritage may be the only way Vatar can ultimately defeat his enemy.The two kinds of magic have always been totally separate. Until now. less

When the two kinds of magic combine in one person, unexpected things happen.Sensing the presence of lions is one thing. Any member of the Lion Clan could do that. When Vatar sees the hunt through the eyes of one of the big cats—well, that’s something else altogether. And that’s only the beginning of the unusual manifestations of his magic. When a mysterious voice only he can hear volunteers ancient wisdom, Vatar knows he’s in trouble... moreWhen the two kinds of magic combine in one person, unexpected things happen.Sensing the presence of lions is one thing. Any member of the Lion Clan could do that. When Vatar sees the hunt through the eyes of one of the big cats—well, that’s something else altogether. And that’s only the beginning of the unusual manifestations of his magic. When a mysterious voice only he can hear volunteers ancient wisdom, Vatar knows he’s in trouble. After enduring an Ordeal to prove he isn’t haunted by an Evil Spirit, Vatar thinks he may be possessed after all. Or losing his mind. Or cursed. He must hide his Talent from his magic-fearing people or face consequences that don’t bear thinking about. But he has to control it in order to keep it secret. And now he’s not sure he can. It’s enough to make him want to give up on magic altogether.But he’s going to need all his wits—and all the magic he can muster—to defeat those who want to use him and his unique abilities for their own ends. less

The foundations of Vatar’s world are unraveling. And being one of a handful graced—or cursed—with both kinds of magic makes Vatar a target.One member of the ruling Council sees him as an obstacle to furthering her power. Gerusa launches an unsanctioned attack on Vatar and his family. When that fails, she is forced to flee the city. But that’s far from the end. Even from exile, Gerusa exerts influence, fomenting unrest and uncertainty... moreThe foundations of Vatar’s world are unraveling. And being one of a handful graced—or cursed—with both kinds of magic makes Vatar a target.One member of the ruling Council sees him as an obstacle to furthering her power. Gerusa launches an unsanctioned attack on Vatar and his family. When that fails, she is forced to flee the city. But that’s far from the end. Even from exile, Gerusa exerts influence, fomenting unrest and uncertainty. She intends to unseat the Council and replace it with herself as sole—and despotic—ruler.Unable to trust the Council, Vatar sets out to stop her. If he’s captured, he’ll be forced to prove his boast that it’s impossible to imprison anyone who can do what he can—or die. less