Donald Maass Literary Agency

AudioFile: Eric Mok returns to narrate this sequel to WITCH KING, bringing back all of his wonderfully varied British accents for the large cast. The narrative jumps back and forth between two timelines: In the past, immortal demon Kaiisteron and Prince-heir Bishasha advance against the powerful, subjugating Heirarchs; years later in the present day, long after the war is over, Kai and his found family investigate whether any Heirarchs might still survive. While some close listening is required to keep the two timelines straight, Mok ensures that each character, past and present, is instantly recognizable. Listeners are rewarded with a sweeping, immersive story full of fascinating details and studded with small, intimate, moving moments between characters we come to care deeply about.

Publishers Weekly: In this sprawling series opener, Bishop (the Black Jewels series) crafts an entertaining and sometimes brutal tale of magic, mystery, and mischief. Shortly after Junior Detective Beth Fahey is assigned to the Penwych police’s 13th precinct special investigations team, she’s tapped for an unusual case involving a magical gun. The inquiry sends her across the Fate River to the Isle of Wyrd to search for answers with the Arcana, the Isle’s enigmatic, fae-like inhabitants who believe that bargains are sacrosanct, intentions have power, and nothing comes free. Swiftly entangled in the doings of the mythical and mysterious, Beth discovers her presence among the Arcana is no accident, and her destiny rests in the hands of their Sorcerer King, Lucas Frost. Meanwhile, a series of intertwined disappearances and deaths create tension between the Arcana and their human visitors, building to a crisis point. Over multiple perspectives, Bishop dwells on themes of escaping abuse, finding freedom, and determining one’s destiny. There’s a fairy tale morality at play: those who embrace cruelty or ignore warnings tend to experience horrible fates, while those seeking peace or safety are offered opportunities for healing and sanctuary. Subtle in its magic if not its messaging, this is a thought-provoking work.

Booklist: Beth is new to the police force, a rookie member of the team that investigates unusual happenings, the things that connect with the Arcana living on the Isle of Wyrd. Her first assignment is to cross the river and look into the origins of a ghost gun in Destiny Park. She gets some answers but is left with even more questions—and the challenges of navigating the rules of the Arcana while doing her job as a detective in the human world. Breaking those rules can have dire consequences, some of which are difficult for the human world to understand. Meanwhile, some humans’ thirst for power or revenge drives them to stir up tensions between uneasy neighbors. As the police investigate strange disappearances—and even stranger reappearances—Beth’s mysterious past starts to catch up with her. Fortunately, the arcane side of the river can also be a place of sanctuary. Bishop’s (The Lady in Glass, 2024) series starter is a satisfying tale of consequences and bargains, both for good and ill, with a central character who works through difficult changes and ultimately lands on her feet.