Zrada v zimě – Abraham Daniel (2011)

Shadows in Summer was an outstanding, original, and captivating debut, but now comes an even stronger sequel, a tragedy so dark, personal, and full of violence that it approaches classic theatrical dramas. As a boy, Otah was driven from his family, the ruling house of the city-state of Machi. Many years later, he witnessed and became part of the momentous events that changed the world. Yet he has never returned to his hometown. Now, as his father – Khai (or ruler) of Machi – is dying and his eldest brother has been murdered, Otah realizes he must return to Machi for reasons that are not entirely clear even to him. Tradition dictates that the sons of the dying Khai must kill each other until only one remains to become their father's successor. However, something even worse has happened in Machi. The expansive Galtsian Empire has allied with someone in the city to overthrow the ruling house. The blame then falls on Otah, the long-lost brother with a very obvious motive for murder. With the same delicate nuances and skill with which Abraham crafted his debut novel, he now creates a masterpiece full of unusual magic, a thrilling tale of romantic betrayal and Machiavellian intrigue.