The Obsidian Tower: Rooks and Ruin, Book One

(Paperback)

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From the Gemmell Award-shortlisted author of THE TETHERED MAGE, THE OBSIDIAN TOWER launches a bold new epic fantasy trilogy in which one woman's powers and choices may save - or destroy - a continent.

As the granddaughter of a Witch Lord of Vaskandar, Ryx was destined for power and prestige. But a childhood illness left her with broken magic that drains the life from anything she touches, and Vaskandar has no place for a mage with unusable powers. So Ryx has resigned herself to an isolated life as the warden of her grandmother's castle.

At the castle's heart lies a black tower. Sealed by magic, it guards a dangerous secret that has been contained for thousands of years. But when Ryx discovers a visiting envoy attempting to break into the tower, a magical accident leaves her with blood on her hands.

Unwittingly, Ryx has unleashed a threat that could engulf the whole continent. She and an unlikely collection of new-found allies must contain it, and the political conflicts that follow, or else everything she loves will fall to darkness.

Praise for Melissa Caruso:

'I think [Caruso] is sublimely talented . . . A phenomenally well-written, engrossing political fantasy series' Fantasy Book Review

'Caruso's world-building is brilliant and complex' Library Journal

'A dashing, compelling and exciting story, blending magic, assassination, conspiracy and diplomacy . . . I'll make no bones about it, I loved this book' Blue Book Balloon on THE DEFIANT HEIR

Reviews

Caruso's worldbuilding is brilliant and complex

A gorgeous narrative that intertwines war, love, political intrigue, betrayal . . . I'll be following this author's career closely as I think she is sublimely talented . . . A phenomenally well-written, engrossing political fantasy series

The eagerly awaited conclusion to Caruso's Swords and Fire Trilogy is as spellbinding as the first two books

A dashing, compelling and exciting story, blending magic, assassination, conspiracy and diplomacy . . . I'll make no bones about it, I loved this book

Block out time to binge this can't-stop story filled with danger and unexpected disaster. From the fresh take on time-honoured tropes to a crunchy, intrigue filled story, The Obsidian Tower is a must-read for lovers of high fantasy - C. L. Polk, author of World Fantasy Award-winner WITCHMARK

Author Bio

Melissa 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. She has spent her whole life creating imaginary worlds, and in addition to writing is also an avid larper and tabletop gamer.

Melissa graduated with honours in creative writing from Brown University and has an MFA in fiction from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her first novel, The Tethered Mage, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Morningstar award for best fantasy debut.

Melissa lives in Massachusetts with her video game designer husband, two magical daughters and assorted pets. You can find her on Twitter, where she posts about writing, tea and sword-fighting in ballgowns.