A political scion and her magically bound fire warlock undertake diplomacy and espionage to prevent a war in the second book of a spellbinding fantasy trilogy from David Gemmell Award-nominated author Melissa Caruso. Across the border, the Witch Lords of Vaskandar are preparing for war. But before an invasion can begin, the seventeen Witch Lords must convene at a rare gathering to decide a course of action.
Lady Amalia Cornaro knows this Conclave might be her only chance to smother the growing flames of war, and she is prepared to make any sacrifice if it means saving Raverra from destruction. Amalia and her bound fire warlock, Zaira, must go behind enemy lines, using every ounce of wit and cunning they have, to sway Vaskandar from war.
If they fail, it will all come down to swords and fire.
Praise for Swords and Fire: "Charming, intelligent, fast-moving, beautifully atmospheric, with a heroine and other characters whom I really liked as people. I couldn't put it down."―Genevieve Cogman, author of
The Invisible Library "Breathtaking... Worth every moment and every page, and should make anyone paying attention excited about what Caruso will write next."―
BookPage "A riveting read, with delicious intrigue, captivating characters, and a brilliant magic system. I loved it from start to finish!"―Sarah Beth Durst, author of
The Queen of Blood Swords and Fire The Tethered Mage
The Defiant Heir
The Unbound Empire For more from Melissa Caruso, check out:
Rooks and Ruin The Obsidian Tower Author: Melissa Caruso
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Orbit
Published: 04/24/2018
Series: Swords and Fire #2
Pages: 560
Weight: 1.04lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.50w x 1.70d
ISBN: 9780316466905
Review Citation(s): Booklist 04/15/2018 pg. 26
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2018
About the AuthorMelissa Caruso was born on the summer solstice and went to school in an old mansion with a secret door, but despite this auspicious beginning has yet to develop any known superpowers. Melissa has spent her whole life creating imaginary worlds, and in addition to writing is also an avid LARPer and tabletop gamer.
She graduated with honors in Creative Writing from Brown University and has an MFA in Fiction from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Melissa's first novel,
The Tethered Mage, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Morningstar award for best fantasy debut.