Richard Whitestone is an Elemental Earth Master. Blaming himself for the death of his beloved wife in childbirth, he has sworn never to set eyes on his daughter, Suzanne. But when he finally sees her, a dark plan takes shape in his twisted mind-to use his daughter's body to bring back the spirit of his long-dead wife.

Mercedes Lackey is the New York Times bestselling American fantasy author behind the Heralds of Valdemar series, The Elemental Masters series, the 100 Kingdoms series, and many more. She has published over 100 novels in under 25 years.