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From Publishers Weekly

Singer and spy Celestine de Joyeuse must finally come to terms with her father's legacy in this complex sequel to 2008's Tracing the Shadow. While serving Francia's King Enguerrand, Celestine longs to destroy the Magus Linnaius, whom she believes betrayed her father to the Inquisition. Celestine is aided by Faie, a spirit bound by her father to protect her, but Faie was responsible for keeping the balance between the mortal world and the realm of the dead, and now lost souls haunt the living. The story ties up minor plot threads from Ash's Tears of Atramon trilogy, but its dependence on backstory will challenge new readers, while fans of Tracing the Shadow will wonder why previously major characters have been relegated to token roles. (Feb.)
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From

Those who enjoyed the intricate Tracing the Shadow (2008) will want to read the conclusion of its story, set in the world of the Tears of Artamon trilogy. It continues the exploits of dozens of characters in several different countries, dealing with politics, mythology, espionage, ghosts, religion, music, and romance. A prophecy predicts the end of the world if the Drakhaouls, who change the people they inhabit and can fly as dragons, are freed and brought into the world of the living. Rieuk Mordiern finally begins to love again but faces betrayal before venturing into the Rift and getting lost for years. Musicians Celestine (formerly Klervie) and Jagu go spying in Muscobar, and when they are targeted by the inquisition, Celestine gets her appearance altered to become an opera-company’s cleaning lady (though she is soon performing in it). An exorcism gone wrong slays a monarch’s best friend, seven daemons escape the Rift and possess highly placed men, and characters and story lines eventually converge. A challenging journey for characters and readers alike. --Diana Tixier Herald