As a kingdom hangs in the balance, a librarian investigates an attempted murder in this quasi-Renaissance epic fantasy trilogy debut.

The power of magic is declining in Sabria. Natural science is overtaking sorcery, placing the kingdom on the verge of a renaissance and stirring up potential for a bloody rivalry . . .

Portier de Savin-Duplais once dreamed of being a great mage, but not having any talent for magic forced him to consider a different option. As a librarian at Sabria's last Collegia Magica, he is at least able to find solace in scholarship. And now, thanks to his studies, the chance for greatness may be at hand—the King of Sabria needs Portier's help.

Someone tried to kill the king, and evidence implicates ties to magic. Portier is tasked with rooting out the mysterious enemy. But to do so, he must team up with a foolish dandy from the royal court and a brilliant, yet dangerously irascible, mage. Together the trio must navigate a treacherous landscape of conspiracy, betrayal, unholy magic, and murder if they hope to save the king and prevent an even bloodier war . . .

"[A] superbly realized leadoff to Berg's quasi-Renaissance fantasy trilogy. . . . Berg shapes the well-worn elements of epic fantasy into a lush, absorbing narrative. Even her minor characters, caught up in fiendish plots and deathly secrets, ring regally true, and Portier oscillates between rueful, reluctant, ethics-bending service and painful but necessary revelations while his old world collapses and a new one struggles to be born." — Publishers Weekly(starred review)

"An infectiously enjoyable series opener that fans of thought-provoking fantasy and intriguing mystery should appreciate." — Library Journal

"An archetypal mystery and a genuine page-turner that should please both mystery and fantasy fans." — Booklist

"Berg is a master world builder that novice fantasy authors would do well to study. Her characters are well rounded, and her created environment becomes as familiar as one's own backyard. The fantastic elements of the story are normal—not ordinary, just a natural part of the world. Plus, the plot is nuanced and detailed. This first installment . . . is a winner." — RT Book Reviews

Carol Berg