The Defiant Heir (Book 2 of Swords and Fire) is out now from Orbit Books!
Cover design credit: Lisa Marie Pompillo. Cover art credit: Crystal Ben & Arcangel.
Praise for The Tethered Mage
(Book One of Swords & Fire)
“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
“Breathtaking.”
— BookPage
“Caruso deploys a dizzying mix of politics, complex interpersonal relationships, and twisty plotting with an intensity that sets it apart in a crowded genre…an immensely engaging start to a welcome new series.”
— B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog
