Magic of the Lost
3 primary works Complete
Book 1
In a political fantasy unlike any other, debut author C. L. Clark spins an epic tale of rebellion, espionage, and military might on the far outreaches of a crumbling desert empire.
Touraine is a soldier. Stolen as a child and raised to kill and die for the empire, her only loyalty is to her fellow conscripts. But now, her company has been sent back to her homeland to stop a rebellion, and the ties of blood may be stronger than she thought.
Luca needs a turncoat. Someone desperate enough to tiptoe the bayonet’s edge between treason and orders. Someone who can sway the rebels toward peace, while Luca focuses on what really matters: getting her uncle off her throne.
Through assassinations and massacres, in bedrooms and war rooms, Touraine and Luca will haggle over the price of a nation. But some things aren’t for sale.
Book 2
The rebels have won, and the empire is withdrawing from Qazal. But undoing the tangled web that binds the two nations will not be easy, and Touraine and Luca will face their greatest challenge yet.
Luca needs to oust her uncle from the Balladairan throne once and for all and take her rightful place as Queen. But he won't let go of power so easily. When he calls for a 'Trial of Competence' and Luca's allies start disappearing from her side, she will need to find a way to prove her might. And she knows someone who can help. . .
Touraine has found a home in the newly free country of Qazal. But she soon realizes that leading a country and leading a revolution are two very different tasks. And, even more importantly, if Luca's uncle doesn't ratify the treaty, the Qazali could end up right back where they started.
Together, the two women will have to overcome their enemies, their history, and their heartbreak in order to find a way to secure Luca's power and Touraine's freedom.
PRAISE FOR THIS TRILOGY:
'Clark's debut introduces a remarkable LGBTQ+ culture amid a story of colonial conquest, exploitation, prejudice, and brewing revolt in a land with a lost history of mystical powers . . . Fans of epic military fantasy will eagerly await more from Clark' Booklist
'High adventure on a human scale - don't miss it' Alix E. Harrow
'This strong debut is filled with exciting action and worldbulding, intriguing characters . . . and an explosion of feelings. Readers will be clamoring for more of Touraine and Luca before they finish' Library Journal: Starred Review
'The Unbroken is something special. I'm going to need book two asap' David Dalglish
'A compelling and persuasive reimagining of both heroism and heroics' Evan Winter
'A perfect military fantasy: brutal, complex, human and impossible to put down' Tasha Suri
'This book feels like one of those deep conversations you have with someone you respect at 3am on a Saturday night. It's wonderful, you know you're going to miss it before it's even over and you'll think about it for a long time to come' FIYAH Literary Magazine
'C. L. Clark's epic fantasy debut reveals all the ugly, painful, deeply personal complexities of revolution against empire. I'm in awe!' Shelley Parker-Chan
'A bold and exciting work that helps steer the evolution of the genre into the next decade' Marshall Ryan Maresca
'Get ready to fall in love with Touraine and Luca in one of the best fantasy debuts I have ever read!' Matt Wallace
'THE UNBROKEN is a utterly remarkable fantasy debut. A heart-rending, unflinching tale of love, loyalty, and making the right choices despite the repercussions. Clark had me completely engrossed in her prose, her world, and her characters from beginning to end' FanFiAddict
'A riveting epic fantasy about a city on the knife's edge of rebellion' K. A. Doore
Book 3
The Sovereign brings princess Luca and soldier Touraine together one last time in the thrilling conclusion to C. L. Clark's beloved queer political fantasy trilogy.
Luca is the new queen of Balladaire. Her empire is already splintering in her hands. Her uncle wasn't the only traitor in the court, and the Withering plague will decimate her people if she can't unearth Balladaire's magic. The only person who can help her wants the only thing Luca won't give-the end of the monarchy.
Touraine is Luca's general. She has everything she ever wanted. While Luca looks within Balladaire's borders, Touraine looks outward-the alliance with Qazal is brittle and Balladaire's neighbors are ready to pounce on its new weakness. When the army comes, led by none other than Touraine's old lover, Touraine must face the truth about herself-and the empire she once called home.
A storm is coming. Touraine and Luca will stand against it together, or it will tear them apart once and for all.
Magic of the Lost:
The Unbroken
The Faithless
The Sovereign