Bantam, New York, 2004, 1^st pr thus.  ISBN 0-553-57851-0.  MMPB, 675 pages followed by About the Author and an excerpt from A Secret Atlas.  Unread copy with a bit of edge wear.  ‘The hope of the future, Will Norrington, prophesied to bring down the northern tyrant Chytrine and redeem the world, is said to be dead, lost in the heart of a fiery volcano.  The news has thrown the Council of Kings into a furor and drained the spirit from once-united factions.  As questions swirl about as to Will’s legacy, and even his identity, one thing is clear:  a divided alliance lacks power.  And this may be exactly the opening Chytrine needs to seize control – and capture the empowering artifact, the DragonCrown – once and for all.  Still, Will’s friends and comrades remain true to his cause… But even as they draw up battle plans, with the enemy nearer than they think, a shattering betrayal – and a stunning revelation – may change the course of everything.’ (from rear wrap)