Laura VanArendonk Baugh

Galen was unhappy in his overcrowded farmhouse even before learning his uncles murdered his father for the spoils of a robbery. Now the only way to keep his family from killing each other-again-is to steal the magical amulet they're fighting over. Too bad it turns out to be a hoax. A coup leaves Kayvin entrapped by the usurper, with his mother hostage in an icy prison. To save her life, he must venture alone into a hostile land to collect legendary artifacts.
He can trust no one but a beautiful dancer and a young man trained to be the perfect luxurious companion-and perhaps not both of them. When Galen and his notorious sorceress partner find themselves on the front line of an inhuman invading horde, Kayvin is the unlikeliest of allies. But how can so few stop a magic-wielding queen bent on saving thousands of lives?Surely you mean "ending thousands of lives"?I said what I said.
If you like deeply realized characters, sweeping adventure, and multilayered storytelling, then you'll love this new epic fantasy series.