They later learn that nearly all of Tortall, Scanra, Galla, Tusaine, Maren and Tyra are being plagued by these Immortals, despite the fact that they were supposed to have been locked away years ago.

Upon reaching Corus, she continues as the assistant horsemistress, teaching Rider trainees such as her friends Miri and Evin and learning more about her own powers of "wild magic" from Numair, who becomes her teacher.

"[1] A review by Karen Cruze for Booklist states, "The appeal of the fantasy is in its mix of horses, otherworldly enemies, and pageantry set against the eternal theme of recognizing one's worth.

"[2] A review for Publishers Weekly notes the challenge of developing a novel to follow the Song of the Lioness series, and describes the benefits and drawbacks ("some of the scenes are a little bewildering") of telling the story from Daine's perspective, while also noting, "Pierce's inventive descriptions of Daine's apprenticeship as a Mage, her riveting battles with griffins, dragons and other monsters, and her delightful, egalitarian ideals more than compensate for this minor flaw.

"[3] Kirkus Reviews describes the book as "A feel-good epic - personable and sweet - in which animals are both buddies and supper" and states, "Despite the sitcom dialogue and characters like Lady Knight Alanna (she burps her babies with one hand, slays ogres with the other), Pierce makes both Daine and her quest likable.

"[4] Charli Osborne reviews the audio version for School Library Journal, stating "this full-cast performance of the book is a joy to listen to" and "Unobtrusive music throughout enhances the recording.