Synopsis: The gates of dread - In all Golran, there was no one who can match the transformational skills of the rebellious, battle-trained Princess Alexia. Though her father has gathered the most able shapeshifters in the kingdom to compete for her hand, she has vowed to best them all - especially the powerful, arrogant mercenary, Tiran d'Iste. But, insidious treachery has brought terror and death to Golran - casting Alexia and Tiran through a secret portal into dangerous realms beyond the reach of the King's magic-users. And now the princess must link her powers with those of her despised adversary to battle werewolf and ghoul - or else surrender her life to the forces of darkness in strange foreboding worlds of sand and sea. (from the back cover of the AvoNova first edition)