Locklands - (Founders Trilogy) by Robert Jackson Bennett (Paperback)

About the Book

"A god wages war--using all of humanity as its pawns--in the unforgettable conclusion to the Founders trilogy. Sancia, Clef, and Berenice have gone up against plenty of long odds in the past. But the war they're fighting now is one even they can't win. This time, they're not facing robber-baron elites, or even an immortal hierophant, but an entity whose intelligence is spread over half the globe--a ghost in the machine that uses the magic of scriving to possess and control not just objects, but human minds. To fight it, they've used scriving technology to transform themselves and their allies into an army--a society--that's like nothing humanity has seen before. With its strength at their backs, they've freed a handful of their enemy's hosts from servitude, even brought down some of its fearsome, reality-altering dreadnaughts. Yet despite their efforts, their enemy marches on--implacable. Unstoppable. Now, as their opponent closes in on its true prize--an ancient doorway, long buried, that leads to the chambers at the center of creation itself--Sancia and her friends glimpse a chance at reaching it first, and with it, a last desperate opportunity to stop this unbeatable foe. But to do so, they'll have to unlock the centuries-old mystery of scriving's origins, embark on a desperate mission into the heart of their enemy's power, and pull off the most daring heist they've ever attempted. And as if that weren't enough, their adversary might just have a spy in their ranks--and a last trick up its sleeve"--

Book Synopsis

NATIONAL BESTSELLER - The jaw-dropping conclusion to the acclaimed Founders Trilogy, from the Hugo-nominated author of Foundryside and Shorefall

"It's so rare to love every single book in a trilogy, to admire the aim, precision, and storytelling stamina this much."--The New York Times Book Review

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, The Quill to Live

Sancia, Clef, and Berenice have gone up against long odds in the past. But the war they're fighting now is one even they can't win.

This time, they're not facing robber-baron elites or even an immortal hierophant, but an entity whose intelligence is spread over half the globe--one that uses the magic of scriving to control not just objects but human minds.

To fight it, they've used scriving technology to transform themselves and their allies into an army--a society--unlike anything humanity has seen before. With its strength at their backs, they've freed a handful of their enemy's hosts from servitude, and even defeated some of its fearsome, reality-altering dreadnoughts.

Yet despite their efforts, their enemy marches on. Implacable. Unstoppable.

Now, as their opponent closes in on its true prize--an ancient doorway, long buried, that leads to the chambers at the center of creation itself--Sancia and her friends glimpse a last opportunity to stop this unbeatable foe. To do so, they'll have to unlock the centuries-old mystery of scriving's origins, embark on a desperate mission into the heart of their enemy's power, and pull off the most daring heist they've ever attempted.

But their adversary might have a spy in their ranks--and a last trick up its sleeve.

And to have a chance at victory, Sancia, Clef, and Berenice will have to make a sacrifice beyond anything that's come before.

Review Quotes

Praise for Locklands

"Compelling, full of action, and has characters to care about . . . Locklands completes another excellent trilogy from an author producing some of the most original and compelling fantasy in the genre."--New York Journal of Books

"Bennett provides a poignant but uplifting conclusion to his spellbinding, fast-paced Founders Trilogy, expanding the complex world with more innovative concepts and new characters."--Booklist (starred review)

"A thrills-and-spills conclusion to the adventures of Sancia Grado. Bennett concludes his Founders trilogy . . . with characteristically high-spirited mayhem. Great fun, with nonstop action."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Gods collide in the high octane finale to Bennett's epic fantasy Founders Trilogy. . . . Fans will find this a satisfying end."--Publishers Weekly

Praise for Foundryside and Shorefall

"Absolutely riveting . . . I felt fully, utterly engaged by the ideas, actually in love with the core characters . . . and in awe of Bennett's craft. I went to bed late reading it and woke up early to finish it."--Amal El-Mohtar, The New York Times Book Review, on Foundryside

"Another stunning novel that shows exactly what this genre can do and why we love it . . . As packed as this book is, I still could've spent another four hundred pages in [Robert Jackson] Bennett's story."--Tordotcom, on Shorefall

"Endlessly inventive . . . Even when it's dark, this story is a joy."--Vulture, on Foundryside

"Prepare for ancient mysteries, innovative magic, and heart-pounding heists."--Brandon Sanderson, on Foundryside

"Complex characters, magic that is tech and vice versa, a world bound by warring trade dynasties: Bennett will leave you in awe once you remember to breathe!"--Tamora Pierce, on Foundryside

About the Author

Robert Jackson Bennett is the author of Foundryside, Shorefall, and the Divine Cities trilogy, which was a Hugo Award finalist in the Best Series category. The first book in the series, City of Stairs, was also a finalist for the World Fantasy and Locus Awards, and the second, City of Blades, was a finalist for the World Fantasy, Locus, and British Fantasy Awards. His previous novels, which include American Elsewhere and Mr. Shivers, have received the Edgar Award, the Shirley Jackson Award, and the Philip K. Dick Citation of Excellence. He lives in Austin with his family.