With The Ruins of Ambrai, the first volume of her brilliant fantasy epic, EXILES, Melanie Rawn introduced the world of Lenfell – pristine, untouched, a perfect refuge for the Mageborn, whose powers were percieved as a threat by people not gifted with magic. But the greater the magic, the greater the peril – and Lenfell was soon devastated by a war between rival Mageborn factions that polluted the land, sea, and air with hideous specters known as the Wraithenbeasts.
Generations after the terrible war, the rivalry between the Mage Guardians and the Lords of Malleris sparked off yet another terrifying conflict, a power struggle that nearly succeeded in destroying the Mage Guardians and giving the Malerrisi all they desired. But unbeknownst to the First Lord of the Malerris, there were those among their enemies who had foreseen her tactics and had worked for generations to ensure the survival of both the Mage Guardians and the people of Lenfell.
Now the lines have been clearly drawn, leaving one of Lenfell's most powerful families divided against itself, with Glenin, former First Daughter of Ambrai, plotting the ruin of her sisters, Sarra, Councillor of Sheve, and Cailet, the new Mage Captal, even as the Malerrisi – under Glenin's leadership – once again begin weaving a web which would entangle their entire work.
For though the Lords of Malerris seem content to remain in self-imposed exile within their castle stronghold, this is merely an illusion created to conceal a campaign of conquest that could see Lenfell fall permenantly under their rule – politically, economically, and magically.
And even as Cailet's dreams of a restored Mage Academy become a reality, and Sarra's legal reforms offer the hope of greater prosperity and equality for all people, Glenin prepares to strike at the very heart of both her sisters' power. All it will take is the betrayal of Ambrai's most closely guarded family secret, and the right traitor planted in the heart of Cailet's haven – a traitor trained to be the nemesis of all Mage Guardians; Glenin's perfect tool of destruction and most loyal follower, her own son...
The series
In a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, the Exiles trilogy by Melanie Rawn immerses readers in a richly layered landscape of power, betrayal, and survival. Set in the land of Lenfell, a realm steeped in ancient secrets and fraught with political tension, the series follows the intertwined lives of three sisters from the fallen House of Ambrai.
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When tragedy strikes their once-proud family, the sisters—Glenin, Sarra, and Cailet—are scattered to the winds. Each takes a different path, but none can escape the shadow of their family’s legacy. As they grow and face the harsh realities of a world where magical prowess and social standing dictate fate, their journeys explore the delicate balance between loyalty and ambition, love and sacrifice, as they strive to reclaim what was lost.
The first book, The Ruins of Ambrai, sets the stage for a compelling saga of political intrigue and magical warfare, as Glenin, Sarra, and Cailet navigate a society that is as treacherous as it is enchanting. But it’s in the depths of the second novel, The Mageborn Traitor, that the stakes intensify. With their fates now intertwined in a web of alliances, deceptions, and revelations, the sisters must face choices that will not only shape their futures but alter the very fabric of Lenfell.
Though the third installment remains unfinished, Exiles has captivated readers with its complex world-building, strong-willed characters, and the atmospheric depth that defines Melanie Rawn's writing. Magic in this world is not just a tool; it’s a force that shapes destinies, forges alliances, and tears apart lives. The trilogy delves into themes of power, identity, and family—where every choice, every bond, has lasting consequences.
If you crave a story where every character is tested by love, magic, and destiny, and where the stakes of political and magical intrigue are as high as the fall of kingdoms, Exiles will draw you into its spellbinding web.
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