« The Mirador » Sarah Monette

Monette continues the fantastic saga begun in Mélusine and The Virtu with virtuoso narratives of theatrical, political and magical intrigues. Within the walled city of Mélusine, destabilized by unsolved murders and the lack of a legitimate royal heir, stands the fortress known as the Mirador, from which wizards strive to consolidate and increase their power. Felix Harrowgate, the Mirador’s most powerful wizard, and his half–brother, former assassin Mildmay the Fox, find themselves mired in new intrigues when Mildmay’s lover, the renowned actress Mehitabel Parr, becomes an unwilling spy for the rival wizards of the Bastion. Felix is further distracted by endless bickering with his partner, Gideon Thraxios, and trying to understand the implications of the backwards sky in the magical dreamworld of the Khloïdanikos. Mehitabel fears the destruction of her theatrical company, and the lowborn Mildmay struggles against the prejudice of wizards and lords. Though Felix’s more esoteric magical problems remain unresolved, several plot lines find satisfying conclusions, and a well–developed world waits to be explored in sequels. (Aug.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The dashing wizard Felix Harrowgate has reclaimed his sanity, magic, and position in society. But even as he returns to his former place in the Mirador–the citadel of power and wizardry–there are many who desire his end. Mildmay the Fox is an ex–assassin, a cat–burglar, and Felix’s half–brother. Tied to Felix by blood and magic, Mildmay goes where Felix goes–even into the Mirador. There, Mildmay finds himself drawn to an alluring spy of the Bastion, a rival school of wizards. The Bastion desires above all else to bring down the Mirador, and Felix is the key to its destruction. But Mildmay cannot let Felix stand alone, and will fight to save both his brother and his city from certain ruin.