The Dead Spell - L. Lyons

Deep in a once-cursed forest lies a treasure beyond imagination, where the dead wait patiently. For centuries it has lain forgotten...until now.

Struggling student Sirena Danton thinks failing grades are the worst of her problems, until she crosses paths with the Governor's dark mage, Difras of Slatmire. For reasons she can't fathom Difras has set his sights on her calixate ring - a ring she cannot remove.

Sirena's unease deepens when her friend, Filosa, falls mysteriously ill whilst in service to the mage. Determined to save her, Sirena discovers he is piecing together a book of unholy power in a quest to raise himself and Mealduth to glory. With the help of a guild thief and an order of clerics, Sirena steals the book to discover his dread purpose and makes herself even more of a target.

Difras believes himself untouchable, but she has a plan to thwart his dark ambition before he unleashes a power too terrible to control.

If she fails, death will not be the end, for the book contains the most forbidden spell of all - The Dead Spell.