The sundered islands of Riverda are dying. The earth magics that protected and sustained them before the Rivening are unbalanced; dwindling in some areas while stifling others. Refugees flee to find a better future, most heading for the nearly unscathed island of Felisted… but not all is as perfect as it seems.

On the eve of her wedding to the future emperor, Kalla is kidnapped along with many innocent Felitians by hideous flaming demons. She must find a way to survive in her harsh new surroundings and she will do whatever it takes, but is she willing to pay the price?

Meanwhile, her beloved vows to retrieve his bride against the odds and the wishes of his father. As the old ruler weakens and Nerosus begins his plan of ridding the empire of magic, he enters into a power struggle with his sister for control of the Felitian people. He has brute force and fear on his side, while she has a voice from the shadows, a secret from the past and the very thing he despises; magic. Will his love of power outstrip the power of love or will he set the world alight with his passion for both?

The Bastard Heirs is a companion novel to Waking Ursa Minor. Whilst you do not need to have read Waking Ursa Minor first, it is advisable.