Synopses & Reviews
A brilliant new chapter in the Novels of the Golden City.
Even as the branches of peace are being offered, there are some who still believe those who are not human should be used as chattel. And they are willing to go to great lengths to retain their power.
Newlywed siren Oriana Paredes has been appointed Ambassador to her home islands now that communication between Northern Portugual and the magical races has been restored. But convincing her people that the new Portuguese Princes intentions are honorable after years of persecution is difficult. And her husband, Duilio, faces his own obstacles among the sirens where males are a rare and valuable commodity with few rights.
In addition to their diplomatic mission, the two hope to uncover the truth behind Oriana's mother's death. Evidence suggests that Spaina country that has been known to enslave magical beingsmay have infiltrated the siren authority. Unable to leave their post, Oriana and Duilio must call on Inspector Joaquim Tavares to root out the truth.
But even his seers gift cannot prepare him for what he will discover.
Review
"[A] masterpiece of historical fantasy...The fascinating mannerisms of the age and the extreme formality of two people growing fonder of each other add a charmingly fresh appeal that will cross over to romance fans as well as to period fantasy readers." --
Library Journal
"J.K. Cheney's alternate Portugal, a society of delicate manners, gaslights, and under-the-sea artworks, provides a lush backdrop for an intricate mystery of murder, spies, selkies, and very dark magic. A most enjoyable debut." --Carol Berg, author of the Novels of the Collegia Magica
"[P]ulls readers in right off the bat...Oriana's 'extra' abilities are thoroughly intriguing and readers will love the crackling banter and working relationship between Oriana and Duilio." --Romantic Times
"An ambitious debut from Cheney: part fantasy, part romance, part police procedural and part love letter to Lisbon in the early 1900s...[the author] does a lovely job connecting magical, historical and romantic elements." --Kirkus Reviews
Review
Praise for the novels of J. Kathleen Cheney “Intriguing and fun, the mystery unfolds like a socially conscious tour through a cabinet of curiosities.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Mesmerizing.”—Publishers Weekly
“Those who enjoy alternate history, Edwardian- or Victorian-era historical fiction with a touch of magic and mythology, will be delighted with this story.” —Booklist
“[A] masterpiece of historical fantasy.”—Library Journal
Review
“[A] killer sequel…Intriguing and fun, the mystery unfolds like a socially conscious tour through a cabinet of curiosities.”—
Kirkus Reviews “Those who enjoy alternate history, Edwardian- or Victorian-era historical fiction with a touch of magic and mythology, will be delighted with this story.”—Booklist
“Political thriller, serial-killer mystery, gaslight alternate history, paranormal romance …This is not your everyday paranormal mystery-thriller. It has a sinuous charm that wraps itself around the reader, soft but impressive…These characters glisten with humanity, even if they arent really human.”—Kings River Life
Synopsis
For two years, Oriana Paredes has been a spy among the social elite of the Golden City, reporting back to her people, the sereia, sea folk banned from the citys shores.... When her employer and only confidante decides to elope, Oriana agrees to accompany her to Paris. But before they can depart, the two women are abducted and left to drown. Trapped beneath the waves, Oriana survives because of her heritage, but she is forced to watch her only friend die.
Vowing vengeance, Oriana crosses paths with Duilio Ferreiraa police consultant who has been investigating the disappearance of a string of servants from the citys wealthiest homes. Duilio also has a secret: He is a seer and his gifts have led him to Oriana.
Bound by their secrets, not trusting each other completely yet having no choice but to work together, Oriana and Duilio must expose a twisted plot of magic so dark that it could cause the very fabric of history to come undone....
Synopsis
The Golden City series continues, and humans and nonhumans alike are in danger as evil stalks the streets, growing more powerful with every kill
Its been two weeks since Oriana Paredes was banished from the Golden City. Police consultant Duilio Ferreira, who himself has a talent he must keep secret, cant escape the feeling that, though shes supposedly returned home to her people, Oriana is in danger.
Adding to Duilios concerns is a string of recent murders in the city. Three victims have already been found, each without a mark upon her body. When a selkie under his brothers protection goes missing, Duilio fears the killer is also targeting nonhuman prey.
To protect Oriana and uncover the truth, Duilio will have to risk revealing his own identity, put his trust in some unlikely allies, and consult a rare and malevolent text known as The Seat of Magic
About the Author
Though Colorado is home, Carol Berg's roots are in Texas, in a family of teachers, musicians, and railroad men. She has degrees in mathematics from Rice University and computer science from the University of Colorado, but managed to squeeze in minors in English and art history along the way. She has combined a career as a software engineer with her writing, while also raising three sons. She lives with her husband at the foot of the Colorado mountains.