« The Virtu » Sarah Monette

At the start of Monette’s wonderful follow–up to her extraordinary fantasy debut, Mélusine (2005), wizard Felix Harrowgate and his gutter–rat brother, Mildmay the Fox, assassin and cat burglar, are making their way through hostile territory to the city of Mélusine. Felix believes, in a burst of bravado or sheer stubborn foolishness, that he can fix the Virtu, a magical crystal that has kept Mélusine safe for centuries, and regain the good graces of the city. Since Felix’s former master used Felix’s magic to break the Virtu, Felix feels a personal responsibility. Mildmay, the cautious, practical half of the duo, isn’t as complacent about the task. Before long, a young governess joins the party as well as two wizards, whom they rescue from being burned at the stake. Together the strangely cohesive group follows a winding path back to Mélusine, the Virtu and their destiny.