In the world of the Nine Lands, the Earthsoul, spirit of the earth itself, grows weak, and the demon god Maeon seeks to unite his unholy realm with that of humans. Only a young man whose heritage marks him as specially Gifted can wield the Blood Orb of Elsa and heal the Earthsoul. Set in a richly detailed and varied world, this blend of coming-of-age story and epic saga belongs in most fantasy collections.