Publishers Weekly
08/20/2018
De Castell continues to underwhelm in his third Spellslinger fantasy novel (after 2018’s Shadowblack). Teenage mage Kellen is still partnered with two eccentric traveling companions. Ferius Parfax is an Argosi, “enigmatic card players who travel the continent” for an unknown purpose; Reichis is a bloodthirsty squirrel cat. En route to the land of Gitabria, the trio rescue a stranger from religious fanatics who view magic as devil worship. Kellen is stunned to realize that the intended victim was a friend from back home, Nephenia, who has been searching for him since her exile. When the four reach Gitabria, they try to ascertain the purpose of an elaborate mechanical bird that may have the power to “change or even destroy entire civilizations.” De Castell fails to make the high stakes, and Kellen’s struggle to be more than just an “outcast, trapped inside the machinations of great nations,” resonate as consequential, in part because of his lead’s snarky reactions to peril. This bland series will hold little appeal to seasoned fantasy readers. Agent: Heather Adams, HMA Literary. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"Told with the conviction of Ursula Le Guin and the dash of Alexandre Dumas"—New Statesman (UK) on Spellslinger
"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 on Spellslinger
"A tremendously fun read full of wit and action."—James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost on Spellslinger
"An intriguing system of magic, wry humor, and a twisting plot make for an entertaining series debut."—Kirkus on Spellslinger
"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) on Spellslinger
"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 on Spellslinger
"Exotic, original and gripping from the get-go, Spellslinger is a must-read"—Jonathan Stroud, author of the Lockwood and Co series on Spellslinger
"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) on Spellslinger
"Hugely enjoyable - fast-paced, compassionate, wise and with terrific characters."—Amanda Craig, author of Hearts and Minds on Spellslinger
"Written with such obvious joy and brio that it demands to be read."—RJ Barker, author of Age of Assassins on Spellslinger
"A fun, fast-moving adventure, with surprising depth and insight."—Hugo Award winning author Jim C. Hines on Spellslinger
"We can confidently say that de Castell's new series has hit the ground running."—Starburst on Spellslinger
