Mages of Oblivion Series by Elyse Thomson

He's a prince, head over heels for her... She's plotting to overthrow his family.As a noblewoman of Lethe, Nadia’s fate is set in stone—marriage, and a life of stultifying insignificance. Hungry for more, the talented mage schemes from the shadows, pulling the strings of a continent plagued by war. Nadia knows exactly what she must do… until she meets a charming, irritating rogue and the bane of her existence—Darius.Prince Darius Firetongue is the least loved son of a cruel tyrant... moreHe's a prince, head over heels for her... She's plotting to overthrow his family.As a noblewoman of Lethe, Nadia’s fate is set in stone—marriage, and a life of stultifying insignificance. Hungry for more, the talented mage schemes from the shadows, pulling the strings of a continent plagued by war. Nadia knows exactly what she must do… until she meets a charming, irritating rogue and the bane of her existence—Darius.Prince Darius Firetongue is the least loved son of a cruel tyrant. His greatest joy? Nettling the sharp-tongued, quick-witted Nadia in an attempt to woo her away from a fiancé she clearly doesn’t want. When his father decides to bring him to heel by threatening Nadia’s life, he knows he must protect her.Forced to flee with only each other to rely on, passions ignite. But as Nadia’s dangerous ambitions are revealed, they’ll have to decide—submit to family, or give in to a reckless, forbidden love and the promise of bloodshed to come.A lush, romantic fantasy novella set in a world inspired by ancient history, The Firetongue Heir is the prequel novella to the Mages of Oblivion series. The ebook version can be purchased or read for free when signing up to the author's newsletter. less

Cinderella (feral) meets The Lies of Locke Lamora in this lush romantic fantasy set in a world inspired by the Eastern Roman Empire.Black-marketeer Selene has poison magic and the cynicism to match. When she and genius metals mage Iliana are arrested by the same scheming, noble fathers who tossed them out at birth, they suspect apologies won’t be forthcoming... moreCinderella (feral) meets The Lies of Locke Lamora in this lush romantic fantasy set in a world inspired by the Eastern Roman Empire.Black-marketeer Selene has poison magic and the cynicism to match. When she and genius metals mage Iliana are arrested by the same scheming, noble fathers who tossed them out at birth, they suspect apologies won’t be forthcoming. Forced to either impersonate their half-sisters or die, the friends are stuffed into fancy dresses, packed off to the capital, and thrust into the perilous, glittering world of the imperial court.Traitors lurk in Prince Belisarius’ court, and only his loyal strategos Marduk is above suspicion. As noble-born villains siphon away the souls of their daughters to magnify their magic in secret, Belisarius plots to expose them all—by inviting every noblewoman in the empire to compete for his hand in marriage. But two infuriating imposters in attendance quickly become his bane.When the friends are discovered, they expect imprisonment—not a deal. Vast riches are on offer if Selene poses as fiancée to the handsome prince while Iliana simpers for the towering strategos—a ploy to lure traitorous enemies to the capital. Yet even as they help secure the throne, false affections flirt with real passions, and Selene and Iliana are convinced they’ll either lose their hearts… or their heads.This steamy fantasy is perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher, Jeffe Kennedy and Grace Draven. less

A disgraced villainess. A prince plotting a coup. And a match made in hell…for everyone else.Daughter of a dead traitor, lightning mage Taisiya and her surviving family live as pariahs. Taking on the new, unwanted role of diplomat for the isolated empire of Lethe gives the proud mage a chance to reverse her family’s misfortunes and regain her once-respected status. When arrivals from abroad include a handsome fae prince in need of a wife, she rushes to play matchmaker in return for riches... moreA disgraced villainess. A prince plotting a coup. And a match made in hell…for everyone else.Daughter of a dead traitor, lightning mage Taisiya and her surviving family live as pariahs. Taking on the new, unwanted role of diplomat for the isolated empire of Lethe gives the proud mage a chance to reverse her family’s misfortunes and regain her once-respected status. When arrivals from abroad include a handsome fae prince in need of a wife, she rushes to play matchmaker in return for riches.Fae Prince Mereruka has kingly ambitions and six siblings who stand in his way. He is convinced the king’s command to marry a barbarian from a cursed land will either kill him, or worse, ruin his schemes. Yet meeting the ruthless, enterprising Taisiya gives him hope he has found his perfect—vicious—other half.They strike a deal. Wealth and power for a bride. Except the price of failure is a favour—in whatever form he chooses. As they trade in innuendos and barbs, and bride candidates become scarce, Mereruka can hardly wait to see her fail in order to claim his favour—Taisiya’s hand in marriage. But it is her heart he must win if he hopes to survive his brother’s bloodthirsty court. Only a couple united in villainy can slay their way to the throne, and if he fails, their heads will roll.The Cruel Prince meets a gender-swapped Cleopatra in book two of the Mages of Oblivion series, perfect for fans of morally grey characters, lethal court intrigue and steamy fantasy. less

A runaway scholar. A warrior haunted by his past. And the curse that will break them… or bind them forever.Hypatia dreamed of becoming an academic—until her research was used for treason. When her past threatens to catch up with her, the mage decides to seek safety abroad. But in so doing, she’s tricked into taking another’s place as the bride of a grim warrior on a monster-infested frontier... moreA runaway scholar. A warrior haunted by his past. And the curse that will break them… or bind them forever.Hypatia dreamed of becoming an academic—until her research was used for treason. When her past threatens to catch up with her, the mage decides to seek safety abroad. But in so doing, she’s tricked into taking another’s place as the bride of a grim warrior on a monster-infested frontier.Obsessed with fame and fortune, Sigimar gained glory battling the curse shrouding a nearby kingdom—and lost his brother in the process. Disillusioned and grief-stricken, the hulking elf is ordered to marry a princess whose magic can keep the curse at bay. Except he weds Hypatia, a beautiful substitute he yearns for but knows he must set free.Hypatia refuses to become monster fodder, which means journeying to Sigimar’s king to dissolve their marriage contract. Yet in the shelter of Sigimar’s embrace she finds a kindred spirit and an inescapable passion. Can she muster the courage to face certain death, or will she choose her freedom and abandon the gentle warrior she’s come to love? Isles of Corruption is the third steamy romantasy book in the Mages of Oblivion series. If you love contract marriages, pining, tortured heroes, and Norse-inspired fantasy settings, escape into Isles of Corruption less