A century ago, Tsar Pyotr the Peaceful established peace between water-dwelling fey and mortals. Now, because of unlawful folk like Duke Bartholomes who trade in the magia-filled bones of the fey, that peace is crumbling.
But a new hope is rising. Living in a cozy stonecote left them by their parents, orphaned siblings Cyril and Katrin dwell in the middle of the Siren Sea, on the isle of Talisfarne. There, they attend its famed Abbey school alongside the children of tsars and thanes.
Cyril studies magia law so as to avenge their father, killed by bone traffickers. Though curious about magia, Katrin focuses her studies on herb craft.
In an attempt to enter the world of privilege and intrigue of his fellow scholars, Cyril wagers in a high-stakes contest of skill. When he loses the home left to him and his sister, Katrin cuts all ties.
To “earn” their home back, Cyril agrees to travel to the Tsar’s city, transporting an unidentified object to the ruthless Duke Bartholomes. Cyril has unknowingly accepted siren bones, and when he’s caught, he is thrown into the Tsar’s prison, where he begins to dream of strange magia.
Katrin, too, is experiencing things she cannot explain. But when she learns of her brother’s fate, her mysterious encounters quickly fade in importance. She journeys to the Tsar’s city to bring warm clothing and coin to Cyril. For with winter coming, those who cannot pay the jailor perish.
But Katrin’s sudden presence in the Tsar’s city is a threat to Duke Bartholomes and his unlawful trade empire, and he will stop at nothing to silence her and her brother. With danger lurking in every corner, the siblings must learn to use gifts they didn’t know they possessed—if they want to survive, and just possibly, begin to heal the rift between the fey and mortal worlds
From Kirkus Award-Winning author Cidney Swanson, a gorgeously written fantasy that draws on elements of Slavic, Celtic, and Nordic lore, weaving an enchanting tale of family, magia, and sacrifice.
Will appeal to fans of Anthea Sharp and Naomi Novik, and readers who love to lose themselves in a richly crafted world full of magical lore and the gift of found family.