Foundryside

Foundryside is a captivating beginning to a thrilling new epic fantasy series crafted by Robert Jackson Bennett. Enter the world of Tevanne, a city thriving on scrivings—industrialised magical inscriptions that endow lifeless objects with consciousness. From the wheels of carriages to the looming walls of its great buildings, scrivings fuel the lifeblood of the city, ushering in incredible advancements and prosperity. Yet, this wealth is tightly controlled by the four powerful merchant Houses, leaving the rest of the populace to grapple with poverty and servitude in the unforgiving and squalid sector of the Commons.

At the centre of this vibrant setting is Sancia Grado, an escaped slave with a unique and mysterious ability, marking her as one of Tevanne's most skilled thieves. Scraping by in the perilous underbelly of the city, her talents catch the attention of an anonymous client with an irresistible offer: steal a cryptic artefact from a fortified warehouse for a generous reward. Accepting this once-in-a-lifetime job with dreams of a better future, Sancia unwittingly unearths a conspiracy of deadly proportions. A formidable force in Tevanne desires the artefact for themselves and will stop at nothing to ensure Sancia's demise.

Sancia must navigate a treacherous web of danger and deceit, recruiting allies and relying on her unorthodox cunning to survive. The artefact she coveted holds secrets with the potential to bring about catastrophic death and unleash ancient, malevolent forces upon the world. As a monstrous power threatens to obliterate everything she knows, Sancia's quest culminates in an explosive struggle, fighting not just for her life, but for the survival of Tevanne itself.

Renowned authors sing high praises for this mesmerising tale, with accolades highlighting Bennett’s mastery in storytelling. Brandon Sanderson lauds Foundryside as "an exciting beginning of a promising new epic fantasy series" while Brent Weeks declares, "Robert Jackson Bennett deserves a huge audience." Fans of detailed worldbuilding and magical intrigue will find a fresh and exhilarating experience that Bennet intricately crafts throughout his narrative.

Filled with intricate worldbuilding, innovative magic, and compelling characters, Foundryside offers an immersive journey that demands to be picked up and devoured. Felicia Day calls it "intricate worldbuilding, fascinating magic, and engaging characters... More please!" Meanwhile, Kevin Hearne describes it as "inventive, immersive, and thrilling... Do yourself a favour and pick this up!" Enthusiasts of high fantasy will be captivated by this rich world and its gritty, electrifying adventures.