The Wayfarer Redemption By: Sara Douglass
"For a thousand years the Acharites have lived prosperous lives, protected by vast and insurmountable mountains and the powerful Seneschal, guardians of the mysterious Way of the Plow and intermediaries with the great god Artor.
But now Achar's security is threatened as a millenia-old prophecy predicting the return of the Forbidden Ones flares into life. An unnatural winter grips the land as the Ice Lord Gorgrael moves his armies of demonic wraiths and IceWorms south. Achar crumbles under Gorgrael's murderous onslaught: it seems that no one can stop him.
Faraday, betrothed of Achar's War Lord, Duke Borneheld, is a frightened as everyone else. While fleeing to safety with Axis, legendary leader of the Axe-Wielders and hated half-brother of Borneheld, Faraday learns that all she has been taught about her people's history has been based on lies. Leaving the company of Axis - a man she secretly loves, although it means his death to reveal it - Faraday embarks on a journey that will forever change both her life and those of her people.
The Wayfarer Redemption is the beginning of a epic fantasy about honor, family, and love: of Faraday's fight for one man's love, and their struggles to free the people from the lies that have bound them... and lead them into the truth of the Star Gate."
I love this book it is so good. And I just found out it's a trilogy so I must by the other two! whee biggrin