Poison Wars
2 primary works
Book 1
Joint winner of the Aurealis Award for Best Novel - Australia's premier genre fiction prize - two Ditmar Awards and joint-winner of the Norma K. Hemming Award . . .
________
I was seven years old the first time my uncle poisoned me . . .
Only a handful of people in Silasta know Jovan’s real purpose in life. To most, he is just another son of the ruling class. The quiet, forgettable friend of the Chancellor’s charming, irresponsible heir. In reality, Jovan has been trained for most of his life to detect, concoct and withstand poisons in order to protect the ruling family.
His sister Kalina is too frail to share in their secret family duty. While other women of the city hold positions of power and responsibility, her path is full of secrets and lies – some hidden even from her own brother.
Until now, peace has reigned in Silasta for hundreds of years. But when the Chancellor succumbs to an unknown poison and an army storms the gates, the so-called Bright City is completely unprepared. It falls to Jovan and Kalina to protect the heir and save their homeland – but first they must make their way through a new world of unexpected treachery, a world where the ancient spirits are rising . . . and angry.
This fabulous epic fantasy debut will appeal to readers of Joe Abercrombie and Terry Brooks, Robin Hobb and Mark Lawrence and all points in between.
Book 2
The brilliant new fantasy novel from the acclaimed and multi-award winning author of City of Lies . . .
'Marvellous . . . will leave you reading late into the night.' SFX
'Poisoners, deceit and treachery . . . will surely keep readers entranced.' TERRY BROOKS
'One of the standout debuts - and books - of the year.' THE FANTASY HIVE
'Absolutely loved this . . . a wonderful read.' JOHN GWYNNE
'One of the best new fantasies I've seen in a long time.' ADRIAN TCHAIKOVSKY
'A bold new fantasy voice.' LAURA LAM
_____________________________________________
You never get used to poisoning a child . . .
Two years after a devastating siege tore the country apart, Silasta has recovered. But to the frustration of poison-taster siblings Jovan and Kalina, sworn to protect the Chancellor, the city has grown complacent in its new-found peace and prosperity.
And now, amid the celebrations of the largest carnival the continent has ever seen, it seems a mysterious enemy has returned.
The death of a former adversary sets Jovan on the trail of a cunning killer, while Kalina negotiates the treacherous politics of visiting dignitaries, knowing that this vengeful mastermind may lurk among the princes and dukes, noble ladies and priests. But their investigations uncover another conspiracy which now threatens not just Silasta and the Chancellor but also their own family.
Assassins, witches and a dangerous criminal network are all closing in. And brother and sister must once more fight to save their city - and everyone they hold dear - from a patient, powerful enemy determined to tear it all down . . .