Spellslinger - by Sebastien De Castell (Paperback)

About the Book

How do you survive a mage's duel without magic? Kellen's about to risk everything: His family, his home, even his own life....When you're a Jan'Tep initiate approaching your sixteenth birthday, you'd better be ready to prove your worth as a mage. Either that or have a miracle on the way. And Kellen isn't counting on either. He knows he'll need a few tricks up his sleeve to avoid disgracing his family and becoming a Sha'Tep servant. So when a sassy, straight-talking traveller arrives in town, Kellen is all ears. Ferius Parfax is jaded but worldly, an exile who lives by her wits and the three decks of cards she carries. She can't teach him to spark his bands and access the seven magics, but with the hand that Kellen's been dealt, he knows he needs all the help he can get.

Book Synopsis

A would-be mage with no magic of his own has to defeat powerful enemies with only cunning and deception in the first book of an exciting adventure fantasy series from Sebastien de Castell.

Kellen is moments away from facing his first duel and proving his worth as a spellcaster. There's just one problem: his magic is fading.

Facing exile unless he can pass the mage trials, Kellen is willing to risk everything -- even his own life -- in search of a way to restore his magic. But when the enigmatic Ferius Parfax arrives in town, she challenges him to take a different path.

One of the elusive Argosi, Ferius is a traveller who lives by her wits and the cards she carries. Daring, unpredictable, and wielding magic Kellen has never seen before, she may be his only hope.

The first 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

"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)

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

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

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

"Exotic, original and gripping from the get-go, Spellslinger is a must-read"--Jonathan Stroud, author of the Lockwood and Co series

"Hugely enjoyable - fast-paced, compassionate, wise and with terrific characters."--Amanda Craig, author of Hearts and Minds

"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)

"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)

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

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

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.