ai reels from her emotional departure with Ruenen. She seeks sanctuary with her people, the other fae, hiding in the secluded Badlands, in order to heal her fractured heart. Believing Ruenen dead, Marai has become a target of King Rayghast of Tacorn and his own twisted, dark powers. Marai will do whatever she can to protect the fae, all while learning the true depths of her magic and heritage.

However, the war between Tacorn and Nevandia still brews in the distant Middle Kingdoms, and Keshel sees a vision of the continent being thrust into chaos and devastation.

Marai must make a choice for herself and her people-to escape to far away Andara, or stand and fight, once again becoming the Lady Butcher. Will she use an ancient faerie queen's cursed ring to exact revenge upon Rayghast? Or will dark magic consume her, pulling her deeper into its unknown, dangerous power?

Red Lands and Black Flames is the sequel to The Butcher and the Bard in J. E. Harter's electrifying Dark Magic Series.