Shadowblack - (Spellslinger) by Sebastien De Castell (Paperback)

About the Book

A Shadowblack plague is taking hold. It's a few months since Kellen left his people behind. Now 16, Kellen and Reichis have developed something of a reputation for being able to kill unruly mages. So it's no surprise when a wealthy but desperate father asks for their help in hunting down the men who've blackmailed him by putting a deadly curse on his only daughter. But when Kellen realises the girl is showing all the symptoms of the Shadowblack, he starts to wonder if those same mages might be able to cure his own disease for the right price.

Book Synopsis

A failed mage turned outlaw must use guile and a handful of spells to challenge a dangerous rival in the second book of an exciting adventure fantasy series from Sebastien de Castell.

Forced to live as an outlaw, Kellen relies on his wits and his allies to survive the unforgiving borderlands.
When he meets a young woman cursed with a deadly plague, he feels compelled to help. But her secrets draw powerful enemies and it's not long before Kellen is entangled in a conspiracy of blackmail, magic, and murder. As the bodies begin to pile up, Kellen fears he's next.

The second novel in a compelling six-book series, bursting with tricks, humor, and a whole new way to look at magic.

Spellslinger SeriesSpellslingerShadowblackCharmcaster
For more from Sebastien de Castell, check out:
The Greatcoats QuartetTraitor's BladeSaint's BloodKnight's ShadowTyrant's Throne

Review Quotes

"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 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

"A fast, fun, often funny fantasy series"--B&N Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog

"A fun, fast-moving adventure, with surprising depth and insight."--Hugo Award winning author Jim C. Hines on Spellslinger

"A tremendously fun read full of wit and action."--James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost on Spellslinger

"An intriguing system of magic, wry humor, and a twisting plot make for an entertaining series debut."--Kirkus 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

"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

"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

"Told with the conviction of Ursula Le Guin and the dash of Alexandre Dumas"--New Statesman (UK) on Spellslinger

"We can confidently say that de Castell's new series has hit the ground running."--Starburst on Spellslinger

"Written with such obvious joy and brio that it demands to be read."--RJ Barker, author of Age of Assassins on Spellslinger

About the Author

Sebastien de Castell is the author of the acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats and the Carnegie Medal-nominated Spellslinger. His debut novel, Traitor's Blade, was shortlisted for both the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy and the Gemmell Morningstar Award, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work, and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. He spends his time writing, traveling, and going on adventures. Visit him at www.decastell.com.