Luminaries & Lies (Potion Voyages #6)

Across the world of magic oceans, villages and kingdoms on every continent are rebuilding after the destruction wrought by the many storms. The death of Victoria - whose tiara caused the tempests - is little comfort to those now facing the hardships of forging a new life. Millions were slaughtered in the battles, and some of their survivors want vengeance, especially against the girl whose enchanting voice lured so many into the gale where they met their demise.

In the aftermath of the deadly attacks, some are making promises of peace and security under a strong new leader, seeking to gain followers to join their kingdom. In a world that is wary of any powerful ruler, they face resistance, doubt and even violence. Their vision of a new society and the order that it will bring to the world must be told far and wide, and they use the powers of the ocean waters to bring their message to whomever will listen.

The calming of the seas has allowed the powers of the many suns to once again capture attention and admiration. A cult of worshippers has found a new home in a strategic geographic region with immense economic value. This positioning allows them to wield tremendous wealth and influence on land and sea, while their loyalty is to the kingdom of the sky.

In other places, some have seen fit to use their powers to build their own empires and religions. The blaze of fire and the strength of steel both win followers, either by instilling fear or appealing to self-interest. Yet, the magic within the waters of the oceans is the true power and is put to many uses to shape the ways of the world.

An extremely violent and highly secretive group has decided to pursue the path to peace and quiet by gathering the lost luminaries. With each new one they acquire - using twisted magic to discover the objects' locations - they intensify their hold on the world. Their quest meets resistance by those who drink of the many magical waters, yet their determination is unending. Their vision of serenity is a cruel destiny that lies along a road to the deepest darkness which ultimately conceals all things and condemns kingdoms everywhere into the shadows.

While many kingdoms are being built, another is being rediscovered. A lost city - once thought to be only a myth - now beckons some clever minds to attempt to decode its puzzling secrets. Found within it are ancient temples and towers, fountains and crystals, all of which admit no certain explanations. No less mysterious is the underground ocean that surrounds the city, whose waters are nothing like those of the twelve great oceans that give their gifts of enchantment to those who drink of them. Even here, the eternal thirst for power brings conflict over whatever valuable resources have been buried for ages.