Needle Ash Book 3: Shadows Rise - Needle Ash, #3

Brother against brother!Michael Harthino, warrior-prince of Artalland, returns home to claim his birthright and save his kingdom... the only problem is, everyone thinks he is dead. Aided by his constant companion, the mage Sharona, Michael must unravel the plot that has turned his house against him, forced him into exile, and placed control of Artalland in the hands of Alanrae, the sorceress queen of enemy nation Ferralla.
Childhood friend and former love interest Lady Julia, daughter of the slain General Butler, has a daring idea to save Artalland: assassinate Queen Alanrae, bride of Michael's treacherous brother Johan. It is a task Michael alone can accomplish with his knowledge of the Great Citadel of Artifia. But Michael is no assassin... But if it is not murder, it is civil war... Needle Ash is a new Military Fantasy / High Fantasy adventure by David V.
Stewart, author of Muramasa: Blood Drinker and The Water of Awakening, taking cues from contemporary favorites like Robert Jordan and Glen Cook.