The Thirst for Power

The thirst for power is the overriding theme of the story that drives the majority of the action. Melaina is a well-regarded wizard who holds an important place at court. However, she is also a distant cousin of the King and Queen of Vivaskari and her ancestor was the younger of twins who sought to overthrow his sibling. Melaina hated that her line of the family was cast into obscurity while the other branch of the family held the power of the throne. It's because of this anger that Melaina comes up with the elaborate plan to put her own daughter on the throne. Melaina's plan involves others and hurts many people. She coerces her sister, an oracle, to give a false prophecy that preys on the oracle's mind for the rest of her short life. And she kills her sister. She condemns a true...