Synopses & Reviews
Master storyteller Sharon Shinn created the thrilling and enchanting world of Welce in her acclaimed novel Troubled Waters
. Return with her to that elemental universe in this tale of secrecy, romance, and a battle for power
Josetta is a princess of one of the Five Families. But she is far from the throne, so she is free to spend her days working in the poorest sections of the city.
Rafe Adova, an outcast since he was born, lives the life of a career gambler in those slums. He has no ambition other than cheating at the card tablesuntil the night he decides to help a girl named Corene, who looks like shes stumbled into the wrong bar.
She, too, is a princesssister to Josetta, who finds her with Rafe. He fascinates her. Josetta has never encountered anyone like himsomeone seemingly devoid of elemental blessings.
He is drawn to her, though he thinks they are unlikely to ever meet againbut their connection grows strong when she nurses him back to health after he is assaulted by foreign mercenaries. And when they learn the reason hes being hunted, they know that the truth about his history could endanger not only their love but also their very lives
Review
Praise for Troubled Waters “Carries readers away into a vivid new fantasy world . . . entertaining and suspenseful . . . full of lively characters . . . The intriguing new system of magic and politics provides plenty of potential for sequels.”—Publishers Weekly
“Filled with vivid details of everyday life, a strong and admirable heroine, and a plot with as many twists and turns as the mighty river that threads through the story, Shinns latest novel should appeal to her avid readership and to lovers of the genre. Highly recommended.”--—Library Journal (starred review)
“Will be enjoyed by readers who like stories with hints of western European aristocracy and elemental magic, with a happy ending.”—Booklist
“A lush new world peopled with fascinating characters . . . Shinn once again demonstrates her considerable facility for creating a richly developed world peopled with intriguing characters blessed with remarkable powers.”—Night Owl Reviews
“Character-driven fiction with fantastical and romantic elements. Shinn has created a world that is completely believable and magical at the same time.”—Fantasy Literature
“A great opening political fantasy that is filled with a strong cast, wonderful refreshing laws of magic, and court intrigue . . . Shinn affirms what her fans already knew from the Twelve Houses saga: that the author is one of the best fantasists.”—Alternative Worlds
Review
Praise for Sharon Shinn:
“Shinn has created a world that is completely believable and magical at the same time.”—Fantasy Literature
“[Shinn] is one of the best fantasists.”—Alternative Worlds
“Shinn is a master.”—Mary Jo Putney, New York Times bestselling author of Not Quite a Wife
“[Shinn] carries readers away into a vivid new fantasy world.”—Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
The national bestselling author of Troubled Waters and Royal Airs returns to her Elemental Blessings series with the story of a young princess who will need more than blessings to survive in a kingdom where everyone will do whatever it takes to claim the throne
As one of the four princesses of Welce, Corene always thought she might one day become queen. Only circumstances changed, leaving fiery Corene with nothing to show for a life spent playing the game of court intrigueuntil a chance arises to become the ruler of a nearby country.
After stowing away on a ship bound for Malinqua with her loyal bodyguard, Foley, Corene must try to win the throne by making a play to marry one of the empresss three nephews. But Corene is not the only foreign princess in search of a crown.
Unaccustomed to being anyones friend, Corene is surprised to find companionship among her fellow competitors. But behind Malinquas beautiful facade lie many secrets.
The visiting princesses are more hostages than guests. And as the deadly nature of the court is revealed, Corene must rely on both her new allies and Foleys unwavering protectionfor the game she has entered is far more perilous than she ever imagined
About the Author
Sharon Shinn is a journalist who works for a trade magazine and is the author of the Elemental Blessings novels, including Royal Airs and Troubled Waters, as well as the Shifting Circle novels, including The Turning Season, Still Life with Shape-shifter, and The Shape of Desire. Her first novel, The Shape-Changers Wife, was a nominee for Locuss Best First Fantasy Novel of 1995. She has won the William L. Crawford Award for Outstanding New Fantasy Writer, and was twice nominated for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. She has also received an RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award and won the 2010 RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy category. A graduate of Northwestern University, she has lived in the Midwest most of her life.