The Iron Princess

by Barbara Hambly Narrated by Julia Anthony

Overview

Something is amiss with the world's magic. Spells don't work the way they used to-when they work at all. Only the powers of the Crystal Mages remain as they were, powers founded on the use of the mystical element adamis, the harvesting of which has enslaved the peoples of the Twilight Lands. Ravenous beasts have begun to appear, legendary creatures that seem to be proof against any magic. And Clea Stylachos, granddaughter of a great sage of the Twilight people, has reason to fear that the Crystal Mages, instead of seeking to defeat these monsters, are attempting to weaponize them in their quest for power.



Clea's only hope to save her people is a wizard who retains his power, one who will not betray her. But that wizard-Ithrazel the Cursed-wants nothing to do with saving the world, helping a hero, or unraveling the terrible secret at the heart of the Crystal Mages' plans. Clea works to untwist the deadly riddles of magic and monsters-to free her mother's disenfranchised people from slavery under her father's conquering forces. To save her mageborn brother from the Crystal Mages' power; to control a sorcerer legendary for his deed of evil; to keep her own small band of friends one step ahead of her father's troops and the Crystal Order's spells. She is the Iron Princess, and she knows she must prevail or die.



Contains mature themes.

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal

01/01/2023

For 75 years, the wizard Ithrazel has been chained across the top of a crag, where birds of prey daily rip and devour his flesh. While the wounds are magically healed overnight, Ithrazel must endure the same process as long as he is bound there. When a shepherd encounters Ithrazel, he leads Clea, the Iron Princess of the wealthy merchant house of Stylachos, to him. Clea needs his help for her world, where the Crystal Mages have taken power over the rest of the mages and enslaved entire villages to mine and refine the mineral adamis into the much-coveted adamine, which is stronger than normal steel and has magical properties. The magic of the other mages provides no protection against that of the Crystal Mages or leads to unanticipated and sometimes deadly results, and as the conflict increases, horrible monsters emerge. VERDICT As she attempts to redeem her world, the adventures of the Iron Princess will keep readers engrossed in this cleverly plotted novel. Fans of fantasy and particularly of Hambly's (Prisoner of Midnight) complex and often enchanting style are certain to enjoy this imaginative story and its heroine.—Vicki L. Gregory

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159439314
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	11/21/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged

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