The Seer and the Sword

On the same day Princess Torina's mother gives birth to a stillborn son, her father returns home from battle with two gifts for his daughter - a crystal and a slave. The slave is Landen, the prince of the conquered land her father has returned from, the crystal shows Torina the future. Though she is only nine years old, Torina immediately frees Landen and befriends him. Landen lives in the soldiers barracks adjacent to the palace and though many believe he will always desire to avenge his father's death at the hand of King Kareed, Torina's father, Landen focuses on his studies and Torina. However, there is another who plots against the king and only Torina's crystal can prevent her family and kingdom from being destroyed.

Hanley's story is engaging and action packed. Though the ending was a bit predictable, it was impossible not to wonder how the intrigues and romance would resolve themselves. I enjoyed this much more than Hanley's "companion novel" The Healer's Keep.