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Crucible of Chaos

A Novel of the Court of Shadows
By Sebastien de Castell
0.0 (0 reviews)
4.06 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 789 ratings, 144 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Crucible of Chaos by Sebastien de Castell is a thrilling entry into the world of Sci-Fi & Fantasy, where the protagonist faces a series of escalating challenges that test both their skills and morals. As they navigate a series of intricate political machinations and hazardous adventures, they must forge unlikely alliances and confront dangerous foes to protect their home from impending disaster. The tale weaves elements of magic, betrayal, and heroism, promising an enthralling ride for fans of the genre.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you're drawn to epic adventures with intricate world-building and dynamic characters, this book may captivate your imagination. As science fiction and fantasy blend seamlessly, expect thrilling battles, unexpected alliances, and twists that keep you turning the pages. Perfect for those who love exploring new realms and engaging in stories that challenge the boundaries of reality.

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Crucible of Chaos

Dumas meets Deadpool in this stand-alone fantasy from the award-winning author of TRAITOR'S BLADE and THE MALEVOLENT SEVEN.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
A mortally wounded magistrate faces his deadliest trial inside an ancient abbey where the monks are going mad and the gods themselves may be to blame!

Estevar Borros, one of the legendary sword-fighting magistrates known as the Greatcoats and the king's personal investigator of the supernatural, is no stranger to tales of ghosts and demons. When the fractious monks of the abbey rumoured to be the birthplace of the gods begin warring over claims of a new pantheon arising, the frantic abbot summons him to settle the dispute.

But Estevar has his own problems: a near-fatal sword wound from his last judicial duel, a sworn knight who claims he has proof the monks are consorting with demons, a diabolical inquisitor with no love for the Greatcoats, and a mysterious young woman claiming to be Estevar's ally but who may well be his deadliest enemy.

Armed only with his famed investigative talents, his faltering skill with a blade, and Imperious, his ornery mule, Estevar must root out the source of the madness lurking inside the once-sacred walls of Isola Sombra before its chaos spreads to the country he's sworn to protect.

Investigate alongside Estevar and the most heroic mule ever to appear in print in this thrilling swashbuckling fantasy mystery by Sebastien de Castell, author of the internationally acclaimed Greatcoats and Spellslinger series!

Crucible of Chaos may be read as a stand-alone fantasy novel and as a prelude to Play of Shadows, the first official novel in the Court of Shadows series!

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Crucible of Chaos garners praise for its brilliant world-building, riveting action, and masterful plot. It blends elements of dark fantasy with a classic crime fiction feel, reminiscent of Agatha Christie. The book is noted for its extensive world-building, intricate mystery, and supernatural elements, while Sebastien de Castell's prose is captivating and engaging. Overall, the novel is characterised by its political intrigue, dark complexity, and intelligent storytelling.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529437010

Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 December 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Arcadia Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 232.0mm

Weight: 400g

Pages: 336

Collections

Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Sci-Fi & Fantasy Sebastien de Castell

About the Author

Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realised how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor and product strategist. His only defence against the charge of unbridled dilettantism is that he genuinely likes doing these things and that, in one way or another, each of these fields plays a role in his writing. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.

Sebastien's acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series The Greatcoats was shortlisted for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy. the Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His YA fantasy series Spellslinger was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and is published in more than a dozen languages.

Sebastien lives in Vancouver, Canada with his lovely wife and two belligerent cats.

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