A Labyrinth of Scions and Sorcery: Book Two in the Risen Kingdoms (The Risen Kingdoms, 2) - Hardcover

Craddock, Curtis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0765389622 ISBN 13: 9780765389626

Publisher: Tor Books, 2019

Synopsis

A Labyrinth of Scions and Sorcery is the masterful second novel in Curtis Craddock's critically-acclaimed high fantasy Risen Kingdoms series, continuing the engrossing tale of courtly intrigue and breathtaking magic, and starring our fiercely intelligent heroine Isabelle des Zephyrs with her loyal musketeer Jean-Claude.

Isabelle des Zephyrs has always been underestimated throughout her life, but after discovering the well of hidden magic within her, unveiling a centuries-long conspiracy, and stopping a war between rival nations, she has gained a newfound respect amongst the cutthroat court.

All that is quickly taken away when Isabelle is unfairly convicted of breaking the treaty she helped write and has her political rank and status taken away. Now bereft, she nevertheless finds herself drawn into mystery when her faithful musketeer Jean-Claude uncovers a series of gruesome murders by someone calling themselves the Harvest King.

As panic swells, the capital descends into chaos, when the emperor is usurped from the throne by a rival noble. Betrayed by their allies and hunted by assassins, Isabelle and Jean-Claude alone must thwart the coup, but not before it changes l’Empire forever.

“A gripping tale of a woman who refuses to be defined by her physical and magical limitations, thwarting both assassins and all who see her as a pawn. A great read!”―#1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, on An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors

The Risen Kingdom series
#1 An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors
#2 A Labyrinth of Scions and Sorcery

About this title

About the Author

CURTIS CRADDOCK lives in Sterling, CO, where he teaches English to inmates in a state penitentiary. A Labyrinth of Scions and Sorcery is the second in The Risen Kingdoms trilogy, following his acclaimed debut An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors.

Review

“Readers who already enjoyed the Romanticism-inspired worldbuilding of the first in Craddock's Risen Kingdoms trilogy will be pleased to discover even more nuances here. The types of magic are especially fleshed out and, with them, competing political factions. A fun, complicated tale, filled with adventure and intrigue.”―Booklist on A Labyrinth of Scions and Sorcery

Praise for The Risen Kingdoms series

“A gripping tale of a woman who refuses to be defined by her physical and magical limitations, thwarting both assassins and all who see her as a pawn. A great read!” ― Brandon Sanderson

“Curtis Craddock's debut is a grand tale of intrigue, adventure, and gaslight fantasy in the tradition of Alexander Dumas.” ―Charles Stross

“A setting fabulous and strange, heroes to cheer for, villains to detest, a twisty, tricky plot ― I love this novel!” ―Lawrence Watt Evans

“In a world shattered by sorcery, a princess without magic battles for peace, aided only by her wits and a drunken sot of a musketeer. A thrilling adventure full of palace intrigue, mysterious ancient mechanisms, and aerial sailing ships!” ―David D. Levine, author of Arabella of Mars

“Debut author Craddock’s vivid, fluid prose makes for the best kind of world building....His writing remains buoyant, sweeping the reader along with the ease of an airship. Isabelle’s dedication to peace and Jean-Claude’s dedication to Isabelle comprise the novel’s emotional core, even as they flip-flop allies and adapt to a barrage of shocking twists.” ― Booklist, starred review

“The skullduggery is pleasurably complex, the emotional stakes feel convincing, and the reasonably happy ending feels earned. And while Jean-Claude's doggedness in protecting Isabelle is admirable, Isabelle is decidedly and enjoyably not a damsel in need of rescue. A very promising start, both for a series and a new author.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Edition details

• Publisher: Tor Books
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 0765389622
• ISBN 13: 9780765389626
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 416