This is a Legend of the Red Sun novel.

The city of Villiren , a city over run by violence, is in the frozen north of a far flung world. As the enemy prepares to strike and Villirens defenders turn on each other, three refugees approach the city. A deposed empress, her sister and a scholar bring a shocking revelation that will change everything.

This is epic fantasy with good writing, character development, and plenty of action and intrigue. You are going to want to read and keep this volume to go with the first, Nights of Villjamur. This looks an "an epic series that could well be a classic." ~~ Pam Allan