Carol Berg – författare

Brutal imprisonment has broken Aidan McAllister. His music is destroyed, and with it the visions he once gave a kingdom ravaged by dragon war. Now, he risks his hard-bought freedom to uncover the truth behind his incarceration-and to meet his enemy face-to-face...

A struggling sorcerer is caught in a web of murder, mystery, and corruption in this epic fantasy series opener set in the world of Flesh and Spirit.

Civil war robbed Lucian de Rememni-Masson of most of his family and his fortune. As a pureblood sorcerer, he has a remarkable gift for portraiture and currently supports his surviving sister through painting for the Registry. But a brief dalliance in his past has returned to haunt Lucian. It was only an hour of youthful folly, but in that time, Lucian spoke with an ordinary, a young woman not of his own kind, allowed her to see his face, and performed magic for her. 

Now, the Registry has contracted Lucian out to a common coroner. Instead of painting living sorcerers, he must use his gift to help identify dead ordinaries hauled in from the streets. But having the power to capture the truth of dead men’s souls brings forth troubling consequences for Lucian. Especially when the dead have secrets worth killing for . . .

“A tale of magic and politics, of intrigue and betrayal. Set in a rich world, told through the eyes of a compelling and sympathetic hero, her story twists and turns, building to a conclusion that satisfies while hinting at more adventures to come. I eagerly await the next Sanctuary novel.” —D. B. Jackson, author of the Thieftaker Chronicles

“[A] captivating and satisfying fantasy epic, the first of a pair. . . . With an impressive command of language, sure-handed plotting, and perceptive characterizations, Berg traces the arc of Lucian’s arduous quest to solve the murders of several illegitimate royals.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

 “A powerful, involving fantasy.” —Locus

 “With a plethora of fascinating characters and intense drama, Dust and Light is outstanding.” —RT Book Reviews(Top Pick)

As a kingdom hangs in the balance, a librarian investigates an attempted murder in this quasi-Renaissance epic fantasy trilogy debut.

The power of magic is declining in Sabria. Natural science is overtaking sorcery, placing the kingdom on the verge of a renaissance and stirring up potential for a bloody rivalry . . . 

Portier de Savin-Duplais once dreamed of being a great mage, but not having any talent for magic forced him to consider a different option. As a librarian at Sabria’s last Collegia Magica, he is at least able to find solace in scholarship. And now, thanks to his studies, the chance for greatness may be at hand—the King of Sabria needs Portier’s help. 

Someone tried to kill the king, and evidence implicates ties to magic. Portier is tasked with rooting out the mysterious enemy. But to do so, he must team up with a foolish dandy from the royal court and a brilliant, yet dangerously irascible, mage. Together the trio must navigate a treacherous landscape of conspiracy, betrayal, unholy magic, and murder if they hope to save the king and prevent an even bloodier war . . .

“[A] superbly realized leadoff to Berg’s quasi-Renaissance fantasy trilogy. . . . Berg shapes the well-worn elements of epic fantasy into a lush, absorbing narrative. Even her minor characters, caught up in fiendish plots and deathly secrets, ring regally true, and Portier oscillates between rueful, reluctant, ethics-bending service and painful but necessary revelations while his old world collapses and a new one struggles to be born.” —Publishers Weekly(starred review)

“An infectiously enjoyable series opener that fans of thought-provoking fantasy and intriguing mystery should appreciate.” —Library Journal

“An archetypal mystery and a genuine page-turner that should please both mystery and fantasy fans.” —Booklist 

“Berg is a master world builder that novice fantasy authors would do well to study. Her characters are well rounded, and her created environment becomes as familiar as one’s own backyard. The fantastic elements of the story are normal—not ordinary, just a natural part of the world. Plus, the plot is nuanced and detailed. This first installment . . . is a winner.” —RT Book Reviews

A scientific young woman probes the mysterious death of her magically gifted sister in this quasi-Renaissance epic fantasy sequel to The Spirit Lens.

Anne de Vernase is fighting to hold herself together as scandal and tragedy tear her family apart. Her father remains at large, convicted of treason and murder thanks to her own testimony—and his pursuit of depraved sorcery. Her mother has gone insane, and her brother is a prisoner. Her sister, a talented sixth-year student at the Collegia Magica, has recently died under mysterious circumstances. And now the man she despises, Portier de Savin-Duplais, arrives with a foreboding summons from her godfather, the king.

Once in Merona, Anne finds herself in a city besieged by dark sorcery and in a royal court full of treacherous machinations. Disturbing rumors surround the queen’s volatile sorcerer, while the queen’s mother is waging a manipulative game. And when a killer strikes, Anne questions what really happened to her sister. With no talent for magic and few allies to protect her, Anne begins a perilous search for the truth that will shake up a kingdom . . . 

“A compelling and altogether admirable work.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Lavish. . . . Berg’s characters return to vivid life. . . . Berg refreshes and reinvigorates the familiar trappings of epic fantasy, shaping a novel that rings true both linguistically and imaginatively. This is one to savor.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Berg brings life and grace to a story of magic and politics that should appeal to the author’s fans as well as lovers of Renaissance-style fantasy.” —Library Journal