The Burnt Empire

Two princes, Shvate and Adri, are born in Hastinaga, capital of the vast Krushan empire - one blind, the other albino. Though one cannot see and the other cannot face sunlight, the Dowager Empress Jilana and Prince Regent Vrath assure their people and allies that all will be well. Any rumblings of dissent are summarily quashed; none dare challenge the might of the Burnt empire. But when Jarsun of Reygistan's daughter is spurned by the ruling family despite her legitimate claim to the throne, Jarsun - a powerful demonlord - embarks upon a relentless campaign to destroy the Burnt empire.

Returning to Ashok K. Banker's brilliant #OwnVoices, epic fantasy world of the Burnt Empire, first introduced in Upon a Burning Throne, A Dark Queen Rises features Krushita and Karni, two women on quests to protect the innocent and bring down tyrants. 

Since the events of Upon a Burning Throne, this story has been climbing towards a climax, leading to Krushni’s plan for vengeance against her father, Jarsun, and culminating in a wedding contest in Gwannland. Guru Dronas, bent on erasing Gwannland from existence, is in attendance. Accompanying him are the Seth and the Krushan Hundred—sons of Adri, emperor of the Burnt Empire—and Jarsun.