Publishers Weekly
10/31/2022
Sykes sticks the landing in the conclusion to his Grave of Empires epic fantasy trilogy (following Ten Arrows of Iron), which takes readers on a final adventure through the ravaged realm known as the Scar. The truly memorable series protagonist, Sal the Cacophony, was once known as the Red Cloud, whose “magic was like nothing the world had ever seen.” That changed when her powers were stolen by wizards she once trusted, sparking a quest for revenge—and war. The bloody events that followed have shaken the usually self-assured warrior to her core. This book picks up from the devastating reveal of the prior volume: that Sal’s lover, Liette, has been possessed by a Scrath, “unbelievably powerful” demonic beings who “wear people like suits.” Sykes piles on the challenges for this series climax—Sal must save Liette, redeem herself for her role in killing civilians, and get closure for the loss of her powers—and manages to bring all to a truly satisfying ending. Admirers of Mark Lawrence’s Book of the Ancestor series will be especially enthralled. Agent: Danny Baror, Baror International. (Dec.)
From the Publisher
"Sykes sticks the landing."—Publishers Weekly
"Reunites readers with the magnificently complex heroine Sal the Cacophony in a hair-raising adventure packed with action, wit, and feeling... This an unforgettable epic fantasy."—Publishers Weekly on Ten Arrows of Iron
"Sykes is a master at taking familiar elements of fantasy and stirring them to a wicked, wholly original churn. In Sal the Cacophony, Sykes has crafted a protagonist for the ages. Ludicrous, wicked, delightful."—Pierce Brown, New York Times bestselling author on Seven Blades in Black
"Seven Blades in Black offers villains that are as memorable and unique as the heroes. Action, magic, romance and humor mingle well in this mammoth tale. It's an immersive read in a well realized world."—Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author on Seven Blades in Black
"Exciting and inventive. I never realized how much I needed wizard-hunting gunslingers in my life."—Peter V. Brett, New York Times bestselling author on Seven Blades in Black
"Seven Blades in Black is terrific. The tale of Sal the Cacophony is delightfully sarcastic and deeply sorrowful."—Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld on Seven Blades in Black
"Gunslingers and mad mages and monsters, oh my. Sykes' latest is a brutal and vulgar epic yet still fun enough that - and I say this as the highest of compliments - makes me wish like hell it ends up with an adaptation into a role-playing game."—Chuck Wendig, New York Times bestselling author on Seven Blades in Black
"Sykes' writing is full of heart, hilarity, and the frank understanding that as humans we are all disasters. Come for the adventures, stay for the weirdos."—R. F. Kuang, author of The Poppy War on Seven Blades in Black
"By the end of the first page, you'll know Sam is in love with his characters. By the end of the second, you'll know you are too."—Myke Cole, author of The Armored Saint on Seven Blades in Black
"A love letter to Final Fantasy and badass women, told with with an irresistible mix of passion and wit."—David Dalglish, author of Soulkeeper on Seven Blades in Black
"With skillful worldbuilding, unexpected humor, and characters real enough to touch, this is easily Sykes's best book to date."—Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Seven Blades in Black
"Compulsive from start to finish."—Kirkus (starred review) on Seven Blades in Black
