The Shadow Sorceress: L.E. Modesitt Jr.

Book IV of The Spellsong Cycle. Anna, legendary Sorceress and Protector of Defalk has died and her apprentice, Secca, is facing an uncertain future. The dreaded Sea-Priests that were defeated by Anna have returned and their desire for revenge is great. Only Secca's sorcery can withstand them - but her training is incomplete. She must rally allies, raise an army and master her own wild power. If she fails, her homeland will suffer unimaginable destruction. But even as the war rages, Secca comes to learn there is yet love in a shattered world. Cover art by Melvyn Grant.