QUEEN OF THE DARKNESS (Anne Bishop)

Synopsis of "Queen of the Darkness", third book of "The Black Jewels" by Anne Bishop: Jaenelle Angelline now reigns as Queen-protector of the Shadow Realm. No longer will the corrupt Blood slaughter her people and defile her lands. But where one chapter ends, a final, unseen battle remains to be written, and Jaenelle must unleash the terrible power that is Witch to destroy her enemies once and for all.  Even so, she cannot stand alone. Somewhere, long lost in madness, is Daemon, her promised Consort. Only his unyielding love can complete her Court and secure her reign. Yet, even together, their strength may not be enough to hold back the most malevolent of forces. 

Jaenelle Angelline has made her Offering to the Darkness, and reigns as Queen of Ebon Askavi. The Shadow Realm lies under her protection. No longer will the corrupt Blood slaughter her people and defile her lands. But where one door has been closed, another may be opened…or broken through, and Jaenelle must unleash the terrible glory that is Witch to destroy her enemies once and for all.

Even so, she cannot stand alone. Somewhere, long lost in the madness of the Twisted Kingdom, is Daemon, her promised Consort. His unyielding love for Jaenelle will complete her Court and secure her power. Yet, even together, their strength may not be enough to stave off their enemies.

In the end, only Jaenelle’s greatest sacrifice will be enough to save those she loves

The Blood has ruled the Territories for millennia. Magic-gifted humans and animals, the strongest of them can travel through gates, compel others to their will, heal wounds or kill. Over the generations, the rulers have become corrupt, torturing and murdering in their quest for absolute power.

Now, there is hope for the Blood. Jaenelle Angelline, a young witch, is one of the rare queens, gifted with both unusual power and a sense of justice. Ancient prophecies and new hopes put her between the ruthless plots of other queens and those who have flocked to Jaenelle for protection. However, the Blood has become tainted with cruelty and power lust, and in the looming war Jaenelle's victory may destroy her people more thoroughly than a loss.