Felix Harrowgate was a powerful wizard until his former master wrenched Felix's magic from him and used it to shatter the Virtu-the orb that is the keystone for the protection and magic of the wizards of the city. Felix's only chance to reclaim the life he once knew is to restore the Virtu.

Mildmay the Fox was an assassin and a cat-burglar-until a curse caught up with him and his life changed forever. Now his fate is tied to Felix's, for good or ill, by blood...and by magic. With Mildmay's help, Felix must repair that which has been broken, and face the shadows of his past.

"At the start of Monette's wonderful follow-up to her extraordinary fantasy debut, Mlusine (2005), wizard Felix Harrowgate and his gutter-rat brother, Mildmay the Fox, assassin and cat burglar, are making their way through hostile territory to the city of Mlusine. Felix believes, in a burst of bravado or sheer stubborn foolishness, that he can fix the Virtu, a magical crystal that has kept Mlusine safe for centuries, and regain the good graces of the city. Since Felix's former master used Felix's magic to break the Virtu, Felix feels a personal responsibility. Mildmay, the cautious, practical half of the duo, isn't as complacent about the task. Before long, a young governess joins the party as well as two wizards, whom they rescue from being burned at the stake. Together the strangely cohesive group follows a winding path back to Mlusine, the Virtu and their destiny. This sequel is every bit as original and satisfying as its predecessor. (July)" Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Felix Harrowgate was a powerful wizard until his former master wrenched his magic away and used it to shatter the Virtu--the orb that is keystone for the protection and magic of the wizards. Felix's only chance to reclaim the life he knew is to restore the Virtu.

Sarah Monette was born and raised in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, one of the secret cities of the Manhattan Project. Having completed her Ph.D. in English literature, she now lives and works in a hundred-year old house in the Upper Midwest. She is a winner of the Spectrum Award for her short story, "Three Letters from the Queen of Elfland."