Juliet E. McKenna — Northern Storm (Aldabreshin Compass)

Orbit Books 2004 Paperback, 608pp. The Aldabreshin Archipelago has been ravaged by war, its fragile alliances sundered by new enemies - enemies wielding forbidden elemental magic and spreading terror throughout the scattered southern realm.Warlord Daish Kheda has vowed to reclaim his people's land, but his plans are thrown into confusion when a dragon attacks the islanders.To the north, in the wizards' haven of Hadrumal, political intrigue is rife. Amidst the unrest, the female mage, Velindre, seeks support for her claim to the title of Cloud Mistress.While the appearance of the dragon spells disaster for those in the south, it may well provide the opportunity Velindre seeks to further her own ambitions . (ISBN: 9781841491677). Good.