In Grethe, the world after the fall of Queen Ulaan has been calm, for the most part-although Queen Adeleide has been deposed. Her younger sister, Hulde, now sits upon the Crimson Throne, and does her best to unite her people. But the forces that deposed her sister-the shadowy organization known as the Red Hand-are watching her rule closely. When the kinpira Maergit Bruntragen returns from Astaria, this time as an ambassador from the human Queen Jesra, with a human in tow, Hulde will be forced to navigate a deadly political snake pit as anti-human forces plot against her. To the south, in the human city of Hannen, a new Pontifex now heads the Church of Han. Darzin lacks the intimidating quality of his predecessor Cashar, but he is devious and dangerous nonetheless. Darzin wants to finish what Cashar started, and he will be satisfied with nothing less than wiping out all kinpira. To the north, the ancient evil of the Unspeakables is stirring. The wards that have held them in check for centuries have started to fray, and it seems only a matter of time before their darkness is unleashed on first Grethe, then the rest of the world. Throughout everything, Maergit must find a way to bridge the gap between kinpira and human, between chaos and order, and between friendship and love. With the human Silas Underwood at her side, Maergit will be forced to choose between loyalty to her country and the desires of her heart. The House of Crimson Ruin is an epic conclusion to the Astaria Duology. It follows The Sea of Silver Grass as an exploration of magic, bravery, and staying true to oneself.