The adolescent identity quest is a frequent motif of Lackey's novels.

A young person, misunderstood — and sometimes abused — at home, struggles to find a place and vocation where his or her unique talents can be realized. This novel starts out with such a situation. Kerowyn is the daughter of a minor landholder. She has managed the entire household since her mother's death, but her life is like Cinderella's was in her pre-prince days: dull, full of hard, unappreciated work, with her best prospects more of the same, even if her family manages to find a husband for her.

But this heroine — and the novel — defy all expectations. When hired raiders attack during her brother's wedding feast, Kerowyn is the only one to try to bring back his kidnapped and terrified young bride. After she pulls off a daring and almost miraculous rescue...