Doctrine of Labyrinths Series by Katherine Addison

“[An] extraordinary first fantasy novel focuses on two captivating characters . . . [A] highly original writer with her own unique voice.” — Publishers Weekly,  starred review  From an award-winning author, the first book in the spellbinding series, The Doctrine of Labyrinths Welcome to Mélusine , a city as wondrous as it is corrupt. Within its walls lies a stronghold of power and magic, a shining setting for the brilliant Felix Harrowgate... more“[An] extraordinary first fantasy novel focuses on two captivating characters . . . [A] highly original writer with her own unique voice.” — Publishers Weekly,  starred review  From an award-winning author, the first book in the spellbinding series, The Doctrine of Labyrinths Welcome to Mélusine , a city as wondrous as it is corrupt. Within its walls lies a stronghold of power and magic, a shining setting for the brilliant Felix Harrowgate. A well-respected wizard and darling of the court, Felix harbors sordid secrets from his peers in the a dark past in which a sadistic wizard enslaved him body and mind, even as he schooled Felix in how to walk among noblemen as if he were one of them. An abuser Felix believes himself free of, until a return to his former master’s lair leads to his harrowing fall from grace. Broken, lost, Felix finds an unlikely accomplice in Mildmay the Fox. Trained to be an assassin, surviving as a thief, Mildmay knows what it is to be hunted. When fate brings the weakened wizard and the wanted killer together, they escape Mélusine, traveling through strange lands where they encounter peculiar magic and powerful demons. A world where shocking secrets will be laid bare—dark truths that will bind them together forever.  “A lush novel, rife with decadent magic.” —Jacqueline Carey,  New York Times– bestselling author of the Kushiel's Legacy series “A spellbinding, gut-wrenching, breathtaking quest that resonates with truth and heart.” —Joan D. Vinge, Hugo and Locus award-winning author of  The Snow Queen “[Addison’s] characters deserve a standing ovation.” — Booklist,  starred review Originally published under the name Sarah Monette. less

“[A] wonderful follow-up to [the] extraordinary fantasy debut,  Mélusine , this sequel is every bit as original and satisfying as its predecessor.” — Publishers Weekly , starred review His sanity restored, Felix Harrowgate knows there’s only one way back to the life he once knew as one of an elite society of return to Mélusine and restore the Virtu, the source of the city’s power and protection. After all, it was the manipulations of Felix’s former master that destroyed the magical orb... more“[A] wonderful follow-up to [the] extraordinary fantasy debut,  Mélusine , this sequel is every bit as original and satisfying as its predecessor.” — Publishers Weekly , starred review His sanity restored, Felix Harrowgate knows there’s only one way back to the life he once knew as one of an elite society of return to Mélusine and restore the Virtu, the source of the city’s power and protection. After all, it was the manipulations of Felix’s former master that destroyed the magical orb. Now that Felix has determined his course of action, there’s a very specific companion he needs for this epic journey. Only Mildmay isn’t so keen on Felix’s plan. Not only is the assassin and thief grieving his dead lover, he’s suffering the ill effects of a curse. Besides, Mildmay isn’t so sure a return to Mélusine is in Felix’s best interests. But there’s no persuading Felix otherwise, which means Mildmay is compelled to join forces once more with the mercurial wizard with whom he shares a bond unlike any other.  But neither man expects the evil they encounter when they enter Mélusine once more. For Malkar Gennadion, the dark wizard and sadistic master Felix believes himself free of, lies in wait. . . . “An engagingly intelligent fantasy.” — Library Journal “Compelling. . . . The magic is delightfully inventive. . . . Perhaps best of all is [Addison’s] authorial voice, abundantly blessed with originality, sophistication, and artistry.” — Booklist Book two in award-winning author Katherine Addison’s captivating series, The Doctrine of Labyrinths Originally published under the name Sarah Monette. less

The critically acclaimed fantasy series continues with “impeccable storytelling. . . . reminiscent of the works of Terry Goodkind and Jacqueline Carey.” — Library Journal Within the confines of Mélusine lies the Mirador, the city’s citadel of power and magic. A stronghold where Felix Harrowgate has found his place once more, his sorcery and his sanity restored. But even a wizard at the height of his powers knows well to watch his back.  Which is why Mildmay Foxe won’t let Felix out of his sight... moreThe critically acclaimed fantasy series continues with “impeccable storytelling. . . . reminiscent of the works of Terry Goodkind and Jacqueline Carey.” — Library Journal Within the confines of Mélusine lies the Mirador, the city’s citadel of power and magic. A stronghold where Felix Harrowgate has found his place once more, his sorcery and his sanity restored. But even a wizard at the height of his powers knows well to watch his back.  Which is why Mildmay Foxe won’t let Felix out of his sight. The ex-assassin and former cat burglar is Felix’s half-brother, a man deeply tied to him by blood and magic. But Mildmay gets caught up in a dangerous attraction to Mehitabel Parr, professional actress and unwilling spy for the Bastion. A rival stronghold of wizards, the Bastion knows Felix is the key to destroying the Mirador. But if the Bastion dares to take on Felix, they will need to take on Mildmay, too—the brother willing to fight to the death to keep Felix—and Mélusine —safe.  “Virtuoso narratives of theatrical, political and magical intrigues.” — Publishers Weekly Book three in award-winning author Katherine Addison’s captivating series, The Doctrine of Labyrinths Originally published under the name Sarah Monette. less

“The voices of Felix, Mildmay, and Kay ring out from the pages of this wonderfully paced and beautifully written final book in the Mélusine quartet.” — Romantic Times When Felix Harrowgate and Mildmay Foxe are charged with heresy and exiled from Mélusine, it feels like the end of the road. But upon entering the country of Corambis to face judgment for their crimes, the brothers find an insurrection underway to restore the monarchy... more“The voices of Felix, Mildmay, and Kay ring out from the pages of this wonderfully paced and beautifully written final book in the Mélusine quartet.” — Romantic Times When Felix Harrowgate and Mildmay Foxe are charged with heresy and exiled from Mélusine, it feels like the end of the road. But upon entering the country of Corambis to face judgment for their crimes, the brothers find an insurrection underway to restore the monarchy. In a last ditch attempt to turn the tide, the losing rebels have set an ancient machine in motion on a course of destruction. Only a powerful wizard can put a halt to the engine’s mysterious and terrifying force. Felix and Mildmay stand ready to take on the challenge—and meet their new destiny. The spellbinding conclusion to award-winning author Katherine Addison’s captivating series, The Doctrine of Labyrinths. “Intelligent and well written.” — Sacramento Book Review “Terror-inducing plot points and more intimate dilemmas . . . should satisfy even the rare cynical reader who hasn’t already been won over by [the author’s] gifts for character, voice, and great prose. — Locus Originally published under the name Sarah Monette. less