The Knave of Secrets - by Alex Livingston (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A twisty tale of card sharps and con artists, in a world of magic where secrets are traded and gambled like coin. The Lies of Locke Lamora meets Casino Royale

Never stake more than you can afford to lose.

When failed magician turned cardsharp Valen Quinol is given the chance to play in the Forbearance Game--the invitation-only tournament where players gamble with secrets--he can't resist. Or refuse, for that matter, according to the petty gangster sponsoring his seat at the table. Valen beats the man he was sent to play, and wins the most valuable secret ever staked in the history of the tournament.

Now Valen and his motley crew are being hunted by thieves, gangsters, spies and wizards, all with their own reasons for wanting what's in that envelope. It's a game of nations where Valen doesn't know all the rules or who all the players are, and can't see all the moves. But he does know if the secret falls into the wrong hands, it could plunge the whole world into war...

Review Quotes

"A fantastic foray into a cutthroat world where Casino Royale meets Games of Thrones." -- Mark de Jager

'A fast-paced action story steeped in magic, history, political intrigue, and suspense.' -- Booklist-- "Booklist"

'A rollicking great adventure, written with verve and humour, and populated with scoundrels you'd love to go drinking with, but would never, ever, challenge to a game of cards.' -- George Mann

'A thrilling tale of intrigue' -- Aurealis-- "Aurealis"

'As exciting and as fast-paced as a game of cards' -- Seattle Book Review-- "Seattle Book Review"

'Intrigue and magic aplenty' -- Publishers Weekly-- "Publishers Weekly"

"An immersive story of living on the edge, playing the odds, going for the highest stakes and taking the direst of consequences - there's no part of Alex Livingston's fascinating fantasy world that doesn't turn on the deadly combination of skill and chance. Fresh, fun and thoroughly enjoyable." -- Justina Robson

About the Author

Alex Livingston grew up in various quiet New England towns before moving to Buffalo, NY to study English at Canisius College. A regular contributor to Tor.com, his short fiction has been published in several markets including Apex Magazine. A major new talent, The Knave of Secrets is his breakout novel. Alex is married and lives in an old house with his brilliant wife and a pile of aged videogame systems.