The Crown — Deborah Chester

From the national bestselling author of the acclaimed fantasy trilogy The Sword, the Ring, and the Chalice.
 
Forsaking her spirit for her heart, Lea, sister of the emperor Caelen, has fallen in love with her kidnapper, Lord Shadrael, a man with no soul. Despite growing attachment to his captive, Shadrael hands over Lea to the corrupt Vindicant priests for the promise of redemption.
 
But when the Vindicants renege on their pledge, Lea and a gravely wounded Shadrael are forced to escape into the Hidden Ways of the shadow realm, where evil threatens to consume all it touches. Now, in order to survive, Lea has to find the balance between her light and Shadrael's darkness before the shadows destroy them both.
 
Praise for Deborah Chester's novels
 
“Fantastic.” -- The Best Reviews
 
“Epic fantasy at its romantic best.” -- Midwest Book Review