The Iron Princess

A young woman rises from the streets to battle a sinister evil in this magical fantasy adventure by the bestselling author of the Darwath series. Something is amiss with the worlds magic. Spells dont work the way they used towhen they work at all. Only the powers of the Crystal Mages remain as they were, powers founded on the use of the mystical element adamis, the harvesting of which has enslaved the peoples of the Twilight Lands. They need a hero. At the same time, ravenous beasts have begun to appear, legendary creatures that seem to be proof against any magic. And Clea Stylachos, granddaughter of a great sage of the Twilight people, has reason to fear that the Crystal Mages, instead of seeking to defeat these insanely destructive monsters, are attempting to weaponize them in their quest for power. Cleas only hope to save her people is a wizard who retains his power, one who will not betray her, either to the great merchant houses or to the all-entangling web of the Crystal Mages. But that wizardIthrazel the Cursed, destroyer of a city and magically imprisoned to suffer undying, unremitting tormentwants nothing to do with saving the world, helping a hero, or unraveling the terrible secret at the heart of the Crystal Mages plans. From the slums and tunnels of the slave-city of Morne, to the watery wilderness of the Twilight lands, to the halls of her fathers palace and the spell-soaked mysteries of the Crystal Mages House of Glass, Clea works to untwist the deadly riddles of magic and monstersto free her mothers disenfranchised people from slavery under her fathers conquering forces. To save her mageborn brother from the Crystal Mages power; to control a sorcerer legendary for his deed of evil; to keep her own small band of friends one step ahead of her fathers troops and the Crystal Orders spells. She is the Iron Princess, and she knows she must prevail or die. But at what cost to herself? Rich and complex, The Iron Princess is an absolute treat for fantasy fans. With thrilling characters and lush, nuanced world-building, this one will burn a hole through the nightstand and leave readers with wild dreams of family secrets, dynastic intrigue, and unexpected heroes who are so much more than they appear. Cherie Priest, author of Boneshaker Praise for New York Timesbestseller Barbara Hambly A fabulously talented writer. Charlaine Harris, bestselling author I think what is really special about [Hamblys] books . . . is a richness of setting combined with a cast of characters that youd love to actually know. SFSite Elegant, intelligent, and entertaining. Publishers Weekly, starred review on Dragonshadow