Through Silent Dust (High Castle/Hallen Oaks Duology) (Volume 1)

Large Size paperback edition for easier reading! Assaulted by corrupt magic, Hallen Oaks is crumbling. Shawna, a military commander and high level sorceress, goes to defend the blighted region against enemy forces led by Jendell. Shawna has fought numerous battles, many involving magic, but Jendell somehow manages to penetrate her mind, using this to influence her decisions and in attempts to twist her potent sorcery to a force of destruction. Short-tempered since childhood, Shawna easily developed a warrior's emotional restraint and has little experience with the softer emotions. However, she soon realizes that Jendell's aggression resonates uniquely with her assertive nature, allowing him to manipulate both her magic and mind. The only way to resist Jendell is to abandon her emotional shields -- creating a different form of peril for herself and Hallen Oaks. Commanding battles, struggling with unfamiliar emotions, and fending off personal attacks require fortitude, confidence, and aggression... ...the same strengths that can cause Shawna to betray the realm she is sworn to protect.