Publishers Weekly
06/25/2018
De Castell’s second fantasy novel featuring Kellen, a 16-year-old mage “who combines whatever paltry magic he can muster with every trick he can learn to stay alive,” offers more of the same: a fast-paced story most likely to appeal to a teen audience. In the wake of the events of Spellslinger, Kellen, who has a price on his head, has been living as an outlaw for months, travelling with a “gambler who never gave a straight answer” and the Rocket Raccoon–like Reichis, “a homicidal squirrel cat whose favorite food was human eyeballs.” The bounty on Kellen results in attempts on his life, and he meets someone who claims to have a cure for Kellen’s shadowblack, the so-called demon plague that gives him painful visions and manifests in black markings encircling Kellen’s left eye. The quest for survival and a cure, and the political machinations back in Kellen’s hometown, are familiar genre tropes, and De Castell’s variations on them aren’t novel enough to stand out. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
"Told with the conviction of Ursula Le Guin and the dash of Alexandre Dumas"—New Statesman (UK) on Spellslinger
"Spellslinger is the start of something truly special. Sebastien de Castell is a master of breakneck pacing, dagger-sharp dialogue, and twists you didn't see coming—and this series has it all."—Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld on Spellslinger
"A tremendously fun read full of wit and action."—James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost on Spellslinger
"This book is dangerously addictive. It has it all: compelling world-building, breathtaking plot-twists, a page-turning pace, and characters who soon feel like old friends. I can't wait for the next one!"—Melissa Caruso, author of The Tethered Mage
"A fast, fun, often funny fantasy series"—B&N Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog
"An intriguing system of magic, wry humor, and a twisting plot make for an entertaining series debut."—Kirkus on Spellslinger
"A fun, fast-moving adventure, with surprising depth and insight."—Hugo Award winning author Jim C. Hines on Spellslinger
"Exotic, original and gripping from the get-go, Spellslinger is a must-read"—Jonathan Stroud, author of the Lockwood and Co series on Spellslinger
"Hugely enjoyable - fast-paced, compassionate, wise and with terrific characters."—Amanda Craig, author of Hearts and Minds on Spellslinger
"Written with such obvious joy and brio that it demands to be read."—RJ Barker, author of Age of Assassins on Spellslinger
"A bucket-load of tension is offset with humour, power struggles, lots of magic and some great characters. Fantasy junkies will devour with relish."—Guardian (UK) on Spellslinger
"There's room for wit and playfulness amid the high-stakes duels and death matches, and Kellen's career is likely to run and run."—The Observer (UK) on Spellslinger
"We can confidently say that de Castell's new series has hit the ground running."—Starburst on Spellslinger
