A Betrayal in Winter by Daniel Abraham

For Otah Machi and Maati it’s been 15 years since the events A Shadow in Summer. The end of that book saw a happy, if wary ending for Liat and Maati. Otah was troubled by his friend’s confession and preoccupied with the Galtic involvement threatening thousands of innocent lives. As Betrayal in Winter opens, we discover things have turned out quite differently for our protagonists, except, perhaps, for Otah, than when we left them.

Otah’s father, the Khai Machi is dying. Already there are rumors about which brother will be the first to strike and begin the murderous journey to the throne. Ignored for being a woman, but operating under the radar is Idaan, Otah’s sister, who is determined to marry for love, not obligation. The Khaiem isn’t kind to women and the roles they are expected to play in society, but Idaan refuses to be contracted out of the family. When her brother is suddenly found dead it’s the worst news to come: already the killing has started and the Khai is still alive. Idaan’s chance at a prosperous marriage is in danger of dissipating. Eager to discover Otah’s involvement, if any, in the murder, the Dai-kvo sents Maati to investigate without arousing suspicion. There he finds a library and a curious young Poet with a large andat who frequently reminds Maati of his failure to successfully bind Seedless. Will Maati’s new assignment be met with success--will he draw Otah out into the open and clear his name or will he discover a new, deadly secret about his one time friend?

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Participate in the discussion!  This book is being read as part of my book blog's (Jawas Read, Too) Summer of Series reading challenge. :)