Usurper's Crown, the (Hardcover)

Praise for A Sorcerer's Treason: 'A sumptuous tale of subtle magic, malevolent sorcery and twisted loyalties -- you won't regret venturing into Sarah Zettel's world' Sara Douglass 'A fresh and surprisingly exciting fantasy thriller...Zettel's engaging writing style conjures up a gripping plot and some effective, three-dimensional characterisation. Even the magic system is well-thought out and inventive...this engaging and vivid slice of escapist fantasy will keep fans of Robin Hobb more than happy' SFX 'Zettel's first fantasy novel is a triumph of story-telling...All the characters are powerfully drawn, especially Bridget, a strong and attractive heroine...A Sorcerer's Treason is a magnificent fantasy novel, showcasing just how good this genre can be. Rich, compelling and exciting, this could be the best fantasy debut in years' Jonathan Weir, Amazon 'Sarah Zettel's well-told and absorbing tale is full of original touches' Starburst

A hugely intricate and largely beguiling prequel to The Sorcerer's Treason (2002). Beginning in 1872 in a village on Lake Superior, Zettel introduces Ingrid Loftfield, the alienated older sister of Grace, whom she glimpses making a secret rendezvous with a man who seems, and is, more dead than alive. Only the stranger and recent arrival in the village, Avan, seems to have any idea of the power this dead man has on Ingrid's sister. No mere wanderer, Avan is Avanasy, a sorcerer and teacher to Medeoan, Princess of Isvalta, a medieval Russian fantasy realm that meets our own on the waters of the lake. Avan has been banished to Earth as part of a plot to wed Medeoan, the last surviving sibling and heir to the realm, to Prince Kacha of Hastinapura, a fantasy kingdom reminiscent of Mogul India. Kacha is obviously the wrong guy for Medeoan: though dashing and youthful, he has a withered right hand and disfigured eye that scream evil sorcery. And the plot to start a war with the Chinese kingdom of Hung Tse-to force an alliance that will give Hastinapura power over Isvalta-is doomed. But, alas, Medeoan is a trusting girl with limited spell-casting abilities who doesn't suspect that the death of her parents might have been induced by the wicked Hastinapura sorcerer, Yamuna. As before, an innocent girl, Ingrid, will have to sail to Isvalta (encountering diabolical denizens, including the ancient witch Baba Yaga and her nightmarish band) to tip the balance of power. She'll learn that, in Isvalta, spells are weavings that can bind, protect, and entangle. And she'll meet the father of her daughter Bridget, heroine of the initial installment, as well as of the forthcoming third and last. Though it duplicates the spirit and intent of the first book, Zettel's frothy blend of romance and fantasy benefits from more straightforward plotting and tighter command of characters and scenes. The second time's the charm. (Kirkus Reviews)

An stunning new fantasy trilogy from US author Sarah Zettel, set partly on the shores of Lake Superior in the 19th century. When Ingrid Loftfield follows her sister out of the house in order to discover the reason for her nighttime excursions, she has no idea that this short walk to the beach will lead her to another world entirely. As the daughter of a fisherman on the shores of Lake Superior, her life has so far been unremarkable -- the most difficult problem she has faced is whether or not to marry the dependable but unexciting Everett Lederle. But when a stranger releases her sister, Grace, from an enchantment by a dead sailor, Ingrid is initiated into a world of magic and intrigue she never could have imagined. For the stranger, Avanasy, is a native of Isavalta, a world which can only be reached by crossing the land of Death and Spirit. He has been exiled by his ruler, and erstwhile student, the young Empress Medeoan. But Avanasy remains loyal to his Empress, and only he is aware of the grave threat she faces from within her own court. If she needs his assistance he will return to her side without a moment's hesitation -- and Ingrid will go with him.