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He seems like a typical young rebel—a handsome, intrepid nobleman bored with his privileged life and eager to abandon it completely. But is he? Legalt Dramis' marriage to a princess was arranged, and he fell in love with her at first sight. When he renounced his nobility, he took her with him, honored his promise, and married her. Of course, his leaving wasn't a simple act of rebellion. Legalt has had his fill of war's carnage. Still, it's all he knows. This time, instead of fighting for his homeland of Lathell, he'll turn mercenary, offering his sword to whoever needs his services. Soon, the piercing red eyes and matchless swordsmanship that have earned him the sobriquet of the Crimson Flash will terrify and inspire all he meets. But one immortal foe could crush even him unless he gives up his humanity, the last vestige of his old life.
This fantasy bends common tropes to suit the author's purposes. A second love interest for Legalt, in the person of Aria, does not leave his devoted wife Sophia feeling unduly threatened. Legalt and Aria's mutual hatred is actually carefully concealed respect for each other's battle prowess, and their numerous evenly matched sword fights are described with imagery similar to that of ardent lovemaking. Fascinatingly, Legalt, who plainly suffers from flashbacks, gives up one life of warfare for another, rather than seeking civilian life as most battle-weary heroes of fantasy would. Though none of his fellow mercenaries can outfight him, each of them inspires awe in their own right. Legalt himself admires all and overshadows none. This book is an option for any reader interested in a story whose male characters never refer to a female warrior's gender as a source of weakness. Legalt will appeal to those fond of humble protagonists.