Hi! I’m Melissa Caruso, author of THE TETHERED MAGE, first in the Swords and Fire trilogy, forthcoming from Orbit Books on October 24, 2017.
You can read the first chapter here!
Cover design credit: Lisa Marie Pompillo. Cover art credit: Crystal Ben & Arcangel.
The Tethered Mage
CONTROL THE MAGIC, CONTROL THE WORLD
In the Raverran Empire, magic is scarce and those born with power are strictly controlled—taken as children and conscripted into the Falcon Army. Zaira has lived her life on the streets to avoid this fate, hiding her mage-mark and thieving to survive. But hers is a rare and dangerous magic, one that threatens the entire empire.
Lady Amalia Cornaro was never meant to be a Falconer. Heiress and scholar, she was born into a treacherous world of political machinations. But fate has bound the heir and the mage.
And as war looms on the horizon, a single spark could turn their city into a pyre.
Praise for The Tethered Mage
“The Tethered Mage is 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
“The Tethered Mage is gorgeous, intricate fantasy. Caruso creates a world in which magic is interwoven with politics, the fate of city-states and noble houses balancing on the daring and initiative of two compelling and vastly different heroines, supported with a rich and vivid cast of characters. One of the best new books I’ve read in years. I can’t wait for the sequel!”
— Vivian Shaw, author of Strange Practice
“The Tethered Mage is the best kind of fantasy: intricate world-building, the most intriguing of court intrigues, and a twisty plot. But while readers might pick it up for those elements, they’ll stay for the engaging characters and the unlikely friendships at the story’s heart.”
—Rosalyn Eves, author of Blood Rose Rebellion
“Intricate and enticing as silk brocade. Caruso’s heroine is a strong, intelligent young woman in a beguiling, beautifully evoked Renaissance world of high politics, courtly intrigue, love and loyalty – and fire warlocks.”
— Anna Smith Spark, author of The Court of Broken Knives
“With a rich world, political intrigue, and action that keeps you turning pages, The Tethered Mage is classic fantasy with a fresh voice.”
— Jeff Wheeler, author of The Queen’s Poisoner
“An enchanting voice and an original world you won’t want to leave.”
— RJ Barker, author of Age of Assassins
“Engaging and entertaining with intrigue, a good pace, and strong characters. Zaira and Amalia are bright, bold heroes in a smartly constructed world.”
— James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost
“Charming, intelligent, fast-moving, beautifully atmospheric, with a heroine and other characters whom I really liked as people. (I overstayed my lunch break in order to finish it.) I would love to read more set in this world.”
— Genevieve Cogman, author of The Invisible Library
“THE TETHERED MAGE spins two captivating tales: a battle of wills between a feisty heroine and her bonded warlock, and a battle of wits between an empire and its rivals. Stuffed with intrigue, romance, and betrayal, this is a scrumptious read.”
— Vic James, author of Gilded Cage
“Charming and solidly fun.”
— Kirkus Reviews
