City of Iron and Ivy - by Thomas Kent West (Paperback)

About the Book

"In an alternate London alive with botanical magic, Elswyth Elderwood is a thorn among roses: a bristly, scarred scholar in a world of socialites. Her sister Persephone is the opposite: a graceful debutante seeking a marriage that will save their family from ruin. At least, until Persephone is murdered. Suddenly the last scion of her house, Elswyth must abandon her studies and find a wealthy husband. She is thrust into a London fueled by floromancy: hedge witches sprout nightshade from their fingertips, high-born ladies weave gowns from wildflowers... and a serial killer called the Reaper transforms his victims into plant-human hybrids. When clues suggest the Reaper is a powerful nobleman, Elswyth's search for her sister's killer and her hunt for a husband become one and the same. But she is drawn to bastard-born archaeologist Silas Blackthorn-who may have dark, twisted secrets of his own. Elswyth must determine friend from foe and lover from liar-or suffer the same fate as her sister"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

"A stunning fantasy with one of the most unique magic systems I've seen in a long time."
―T. Kingfisher, New York Times bestselling author

This beguiling historical romantasy debut blends dark academia with the glamour of Bridgerton, as a scholar of magic investigates her sister's murder--perfect for fans of Heather Fawcett and H. G. Parry.

In an alternate London alive with botanical magic, Elswyth Elderwood is a thorn among roses: a bristly, scarred scholar in a world of socialites. Her sister Persephone is the opposite: a graceful debutante seeking a marriage that will save their family from ruin. At least, until Persephone is murdered.

Suddenly the last scion of her house, Elswyth must abandon her studies and find a wealthy husband. She is thrust into a London fueled by floromancy: hedge witches sprout nightshade from their fingertips, high-born ladies weave gowns from wildflowers ... and a serial killer called the Reaper transforms his victims into plant-human hybrids.

When clues suggest the Reaper is a powerful nobleman, Elswyth's search for her sister's killer and her hunt for a husband become one and the same. But she is drawn to bastard-born archaeologist Silas Blackthorn--who may have dark, twisted secrets of his own.

Elswyth must determine friend from foe and lover from liar--or suffer the same fate as her sister.

Review Quotes

"West's writing is an invitation to dance upon a mosaic floor, where each step unlocks a gorgeous harmony of history and suspense, with a rhythm that will leave you gasping in awe. It's West's world, and we're all just living in it."--Rosalie M. Lin, author of Daughter of Calamity

"A stunning fantasy with one of the most unique magic systems I've seen in a long time."
--T. Kingfisher, New York Times bestselling author

"A sumptuous bouquet with yellow jasmine for elegance, rhododendron for danger, and enchanter's nightshade for sorcery, the flowery world of West's alternate London will sink its roots deep into your imagination. Dare we hope that a sequel will bloom?"

--Marie Brennan, author of A Natural History of Dragons

"Magical, thrilling, and deeply haunting, City of Iron and Ivy is the sort of gem I will revisit over and over again. Thomas Kent West is a talent to watch."

--Katrina Kwan, author of The Last Dragon of the East

"Prepare to be consumed by this enchanting alternate London, where beauty and terror bloom together. From dinner parties to seedy alleys, West's debut will thrill you with its sharp-witted heroine, delectable banter, and shocking twists."

--Rosalie M. Lin, author of Daughter of Calamity

"Thorny intrigue meets macabre opulence in Thomas Kent West's fever dream of an alternate Victorian London, where murder stalks the streets and the familiar language of flowers blossoms into the gloriously inventive full-blown magical system of floromancy."--Jacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of Kushiel's Dart

"West lures you in with darkly vivid prose into a sumptuous fog-lit otherworld that can either spell you into wonder or doom, depending on each breathless turn of the page. Utterly transporting."--David Yoon, New York Times Bestselling Author of City of Orange and Version Zero

About the Author

Thomas Kent West is an American author who creates stories filled with intricate magic, imperfect heroes, and richly imagined worlds. His experience as a biology teacher and wilderness guide in Grand Teton National Park inspired him to write a book set in a fantastical place but based on real-world botany. That novel became City of Iron and Ivy, which received the Book Pipeline Grand Prize in Science Fiction and Fantasy. You can read more of his work, receive bonus scenes and short stories, and sign up for his newsletter at thomaskentwest.com.