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The Councillor

By E. J. Beaton
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3.93 goodreads logo

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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
The Councillor by E. J. Beaton is a gripping fantasy story set in a world reeling from the assassination of its queen. Ludovica, a scholar accustomed to the life of books rather than politics, is unexpectedly tasked with finding the queen's successor. Amidst courtly intrigue and the uncovering of dark secrets, she must navigate alliances and enmities to secure the realm's future.
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Format: Hardback
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate intricate political intrigue set in a richly imagined fantasy world. With its compelling blend of strategy and magic, it may appeal to those who love stories of power struggles, complex characters, and unexpected alliances. Fans of smart, thought-provoking narratives that explore the nature of leadership and loyalty will likely find this a captivating read.

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"DAW Book Collectors No. 1877."--Title page verso.

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

The Councillor is a fantasy novel that follows a scholar's quest to choose the next ruler of her nation amidst lies, conspiracy, and assassination.

When the death of Iron Queen Sarelin Brey fractures the realm of Elira, Lysande Prior, the palace scholar and the queen's closest friend, is appointed Councillor. Publicly, Lysande must choose the next monarch from amongst the city-rulers vying for the throne. Privately, she seeks to discover which ruler murdered the queen, suspecting the use of magic.

Resourceful, analytical, and quiet, Lysande appears to embody the motto she was raised with—everything in its place. Yet while she hides her drug addiction from her new associates, she cannot hide her growing interest in power. She becomes locked in a game of strategy with the city-rulers—especially the erudite prince Luca Fontaine, who seems to shift between ally and rival.

Further from home, an old enemy is stirring—the magic-wielding White Queen is on the move again, and her alliance with a traitor among the royal milieu poses a danger not just to the peace of the realm but to the survival of everything that Lysande cares about.

In a world where the low-born keep their heads down, Lysande must learn to fight an enemy who wears many guises... even as she wages her own battle between ambition and restraint.

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?

The Councillor by E. J. Beaton is highly praised for its intricate political intrigue, vivid storytelling, and complex characters. Reviewers admire the book's eloquent prose, nuanced portrayal of power dynamics, and engaging world-building. The novel is often described as an intelligent and sumptuous debut that skilfully weaves together themes of ambition, power, and the human heart.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780756416997

Publisher: Astra Publishing House

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 02 March 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: DAW Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 34.0mm

Width: 158.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 646g

Pages: 448

Collections

E. J. Beaton Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Sci-Fi & Fantasy

About the Author

E. J. Beaton is the author of the fantasy novel The Councillor, out now from DAW/Penguin. She has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize for Poetry.Her previous work includes a poetry collection, and she has been shortlisted for several Australian poetry prizes.She studied literature and writing at university, completing a PhD in English (Creative Writing).She lives in Melbourne, Australia.

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