This time, two foes are attacking Alera. Kalarus Birencis is trying to overthrow the First Lord, Gaius, with help from an ancient foe from across the ocean, the wolf-like Canim. To keep him safe, Gaius assigns the young Cursor, Tavi, to the First Aleran Legion, a newly formed Legion made up of men from all the regions of Alera, hoping to unite them. Tavi, as a Cursor or spy, is totally without the ability to use the magical elementals of the earth, air, fire and water known as furies.

Tavi's fellow spy, Amara, has been assigned to rescue three people that Kalarus has imprisoned to ensure the neutrality of two of Alera's most powerful lords. An attack has come to the town of Ceres, almost killing Bernard, Amara's husband, Isana, and Amara herself. They escape with the help of a slave, a supposed coward called Fade. Ceres is at risk, and the only Legion near enough to come to the city's aid is the First Aleran, the one least likely to see combat.

In one of the most complex and exciting fantasies I've had the privilege to read, surprise after surprise twists the plot as the history of Alera's first Citizens, powerful furycrafters all, comes to light. We learn that the ambitious Lady Invidia Aquitaine is willing to aid the Realm, only to keep it intact long enough so her husband can gain the crown for himself. Pick up a copy of Cursor's Fury. Better yet, get all three books in the Codex Alera series. You'll enjoy a fantasy series to rival The Sword of Shannara series.