Publishers Weekly
08/22/2022
Evans (the Brimstone Angels series) launches her Books of the Usurper epic fantasy series with a heady mixture of magic, murder, and revolution. Twenty-three years before the start of the book, Redolfo, Duke Kirazzi, attempted a coup in the empire of Semilla. But the Kirazzi Rebellion failed and Redolfo was executed. In the present day, Quill, an apprentice scribe, arrives in the capital city of Arlabecca to retrieve some ancient artifacts from the Imperial Archives on a special request from the remaining Kirazzi family. While there, the murder of a prominent lord throws the city into chaos. When Quill discovers a dangerous weapon hidden among the Kirazzi artifacts—one that hasn’t been used since the days of the coup—he must band together with the city’s Archivists to investigate the attack and halt a conspiracy that threatens to destroy the empire. There’s a bit of a learning curve to Evans’s complex worldbuilding, but readers will be drawn in by the memorable cast, vibrantly drawn fantasy cultures, and vivid prose. Epic fantasy fans will be eager to see where the series goes. Agent: Bridget Smith, JABberwocky. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
"Erin Evans can make the reader care deeply about her characters, offering details and anecdotes, quirks and simple gestures to make those characters so very real. But what makes this book special, even by Erin's lofty goalposts, is the world she weaves around these characters. Detailed and mysterious, a place to explore and relish. Highly recommended!" —R. A. Salvatore, author of "The Legends of Drizzt" and DemonsWars novels
“Empire of Exiles has it all: characters I love, intertwined compelling mysteries in the past and present, plot twists that keep coming, and a unique and fascinating world and magic system!" —Melissa Caruso, author of The Obsidian Tower
“The beginning of a truly epic tale. Deft worldbuilding and wonderful verbal fencing that is a delight to read. In these pages, you are in the hands of a master.”—Ed Greenwood, creator of the Forgotten Realms and internationally bestselling author
"Readers will be drawn in by the memorable cast, vibrantly drawn fantasy cultures, and vivid prose. Epic fantasy fans will be eager to see where the series goes."—Publishers Weekly
“Beautifully wrought and equally ensnaring, this book lived up to and then surpassed all my expectations.”—Cat Rambo, author of You Sexy Thing
“Splendid world building, compelling mysteries and characters, and a fascinating magic system. Erin Evans delivers the goods.”—Howard Jones, author of For the Killing of Kings
"Rich worldbuilding, addictive and consuming magic, and an intricately plotted conspiracy full of momentous twists. Nothing is as it seems, exposing lost loves and flawed loyalties among the large cast of admirable, multifaceted characters ... An excellent new fantasy series by Evans, perfect for fans of Katherine Addison or those who enjoy slow-burning and complex court intrigue."—Library Journal
"From the rich world building . . . to the interesting culture, a unique magic system, and a variety of humanoids, readers will be delighted that nothing is predictable in this intriguing story."—Booklist
“With unrivaled worldbuilding, a compelling mystery to unravel and a found family that stole my heart a dozen times over, Empire of Exiles is one of those stories you can truly sink your teeth into. There are so many layers to the world and characters Evans has created. It’s a deeply satisfying read, and I know it will stay with me for a long time to come. I can’t wait for the next book!”—H. M. Long, author of Hall of Smoke
"A triumph of fantasy, murder mystery, and political thriller that handles grief, PTSD, panic, and anxiety disorder with tact."—GeeklyInc
Library Journal
09/01/2022
In this high fantasy epic, scrivener Quill's charming innocence is devastated when he witnesses a friend being implicated in an inexplicable murder that involves the empress, a noble consul, and the notorious Kirazzi family, who once attempted to overthrow the throne. Determined to prove that his friend isn't a monster, Quill turns to the Imperial Archives for help and teams up with the dependable Amadea, whose haunting past catches up to her, and sweet Yinii, whose rare ink affinity estranges her from her people. Together with Vigilant Richa, they pursue an assassin that can reshape others' thoughts and memories, as they also attempt to untangle an immense web of lies, secrets, past relationships, and false identities. The perfectly ominous atmosphere is established by rich worldbuilding, addictive and consuming magic, and an intricately plotted conspiracy full of momentous twists. Nothing is as it seems, exposing lost loves and flawed loyalties among the large cast of admirable, multifaceted characters. VERDICT An excellent new fantasy series by Evans (The Devil You Know), perfect for fans of Katherine Addison or those who enjoy slow-burning and complex court intrigue.—Andrea Dyba
