He could take some extra fencing lessons. He was in love with his sword, purchased in a used clothing market on a whim. With his rent money, because he was a fool. He smiled at the memory without regret, and eyed the blade where it hung on a peg meant for a book sack, by the human skull Daud had bought.
Why did I buy that sword?
It had been a foolish, impulsive purchase—a winter’s savings gone in a few beats of his heart, as if he’d been laid under a compulsion. It wasn’t even the kind of sword he thought he favoured…
He took the freshly cut pen back to his high desk by the cold window and settled himself. He had about a hundred and sixty more lines to copy, and then he could give his sister something truly beautiful for the Day after Darknight. First Sun. A holiday in almost every religion in the City and at home.
He wrote, and wrote. He paused a few times, ate a handful of nuts, breathed on his hands, and, with a wry look, threw some charcoal on the brazier. But he was no longer giving any thought to staying, and he began to write faster, his letters as precise as they would have been on an Academy project. He’d survived his first year at the Academy. He’d learned a few things.
And now he was going home.
By Sebastien de Castell
SPELLSLINGER
Spellslinger
Shadowblack
Charmcaster
Soulbinder
Queenslayer
Crownbreaker
THE GREATCOATS
Traitor’s Blade
Knight’s Shadow
Saint’s Blood
Tyrant’s Throne
Praise for
Spellslinger
“Told with the conviction of Ursula Le Guin and the dash of Alexandre Dumas.”
—New Statesman (UK)
“A fast, fun, often funny fantasy series.”
—B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog
“An intriguing system of magic, wry humor, and a twisting plot make for an entertaining series debut.”
—Kirkus
“A bucket-load of tension is offset with humour, power struggles, lots of magic and some great characters. Fantasy junkies will devour with relish.”
—Guardian (UK)
“Spellslinger is the start of something truly special. Sebastien de Castell is a master of breakneck pacing, dagger-sharp dialogue, and twists you didn’t see coming—and this series has it all.”
—Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld
“This book is dangerously addictive. It has it all: compelling world-building, breathtaking plot-twists, a page-turning pace, and characters who soon feel like old friends. I can’t wait for the next one!”
—Melissa Caruso, author of The Tethered Mage
“Exotic, original and gripping from the get-go, Spellslinger is a must-read.”
—Jonathan Stroud, author of the Lockwood & Co. series
“A tremendously fun read full of wit and action.”
—James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost
“A fun, fast-moving adventure, with surprising depth and insight.”
—Jim C. Hines, Hugo Award–winning author
“Hugely enjoyable… fast-paced, compassionate, wise and with terrific characters.”
—Amanda Craig, author of Hearts and Minds
“Written with such obvious joy and brio that it demands to be read.”
—RJ Barker, author of Age of Assassins
“We can confidently say that de Castell’s new series has hit the ground running.”
—Starburst magazine
“There’s room for wit and playfulness amid the high-stakes duels and death matches, and Kellen’s career is likely to run and run.”
—The Observer (UK)
Crownbreaker Page 42