The Elf empire is decaying. Few nobles can still have children, the poor are Wasting, and the world crumbles under their feet -- beginning with the bleak seaside village of Selasdur.

~*~

Professor Astin an Galefar has fallen into a forbidden love affair with the Patrician's daughter. Lady Vaseri's sale into marriage depends on her purity, and her House will vanish without it. The consequences will be fatal if they are caught. Yet Selasdur lures them deeper into a tangled mess of desire...

The newest teacher, Esor an Amen, is dropped into the middle of an ancient war when his employer sends him searching for Dwarf sympathizers. Esor searches for secrets in Selasdur -- and stumbles closer to Astin.

~*~

At the Edge of Chaos is the first in a new epic fantasy series expanding the world of SM Reine's "Atop the Trees, Beneath the Mountains." Start with this book. You do not need to read anything else beforehand.