Sarah Zettel – författare

Volume one of the stunning fantasy trilogy set partly on the shores of Lake Superior in the 19th century.Bridget Lederle is the lighthouse keeper of Sand Island Lighthouse, a woman ostracised by the locals because of the bastard child she bore to a visiting Finnish fisherman, and because of her own mysterious antecedents. It is rumoured she’s a witch; certainly, she has strange and uncontrollable visions and premonitions. One day, she has a premonition of disaster and ‘sees’ a small boat being dashed to pieces on the rocks off the island in a storm; the next day the storm kicks up – and she goes out to find a man thrown up on the shore, almost dead. When he speaks, it is in an unknown language; he has bizarre tattoos, and when he wraps a piece of braided cloth about her arm, she is suddenly able to understand him.He tells her he is from another world, a world in which she is a great magical force, and that her presence is required to save the Dowager Empress, currently under threat from her poisonous daughter-in-law. It is an attractive offer for a woman with nothing to lose (her baby died, she has no prospects in our world); she goes with the wizard to Isavalta. But there she will find nothing is quite as he promised her…

Infused with folklore magic and history, The Firebird’s Vengeance is the stunning conclusion to the Isavalta trilogy.You will pay for this, screamed the Firebird. Life and blood and realm I will have from you.Thirty years ago the Empress of Isavalta imprisoned the terrible Firebird in a cage wrought with gold, magic and blood. She succeeded in saving her realm, but at a harsh price: the life of her loyal sorcerer, Avanasy.Now, with the Empress’s death, the Firebird has been freed, and its desire for revenge is unquenchable. Avanasy's daughter, Bridget, is warned by the Vixen, a great spirit-power, of the Firebird ‘s coming attack. But the Vixen also brings other, equally disturbing news: that Anna, the daughter Bridget buried as an infant nine years ago, is in fact still alive.Bridget is torn between her duty to defend her adopted homeland and her desperate longing to find her child. But she is not the only one with an interest in the girl. Bridget is the daughter of two sorcerers, as is Anna herself. Such a child is likely to be possessed of extraordinary powers. Powers that might be harnessed to save an empire – or to destroy one.

An evocative and magical romance set in the legendary time of King Arthur.Elen, the daughter of a Welsh chieftan, lives in the border territory with her widowed mother and her brother. Her family are keen to ally with King Arthur, but some of the other local chieftains, in particular Urien, are not so sure.One night Elen is called out to tend to a woman in childbirth, and when her mother offers her some strange advice before she leaves she realises with trepidation that she is going to the fae folk. In return for her aid in the safe delivery of a baby boy, the fae magically delay her return home; so when she arrives Urien’s men have already left, leaving her home in ruins and her mother brutally butchered.Elen determines to ride to Arthur’s court to beg for aid in driving out the invaders. What she doesn’t know is that Urien is the paramour of Morgaine, the most powerful sorceress on the Isle of Britain, Arthur’s half-sister and his deadliest enemy. Morgaine and Urien decide that Elen must not be allowed to reach Arthur. But they reckon without the valiant Geraint, younger brother of the renowned Sir Gawain. He is determined to prove himself worthy of his place at the round table, but when he meets Elen he will find there are things other than honour worth fighting for.

An evocative romantic fantasy set in the legendary time of King Arthur. Lynet of Castle Cambryn sets off for Camelot to beg aid of Guinevere.Lynet of Cameliard is the youngest child of Lord Kenan, who holds Castle Cambryn in the name of Queen Guinevere. When Lynet’s brother, Colan, murders their father the castle and its people are thrown into disarray. Leaving her elder sister Laurel behind as a hostage, Lynet sets off for Camelot to beg Guinevere to return to Cameliard with her and restore order.Meanwhile at Camelot, Lancelot’s squire Gareth, youngest brother of the renowned Sir Gawain, is getting himself into all sorts of trouble, first by dallying too much with the ladies, then by losing a duel against an elderly knight, behaviour which reflects on the reputation of Lancelot himself. When Lynet arrives at court to make her appeal, Gareth sees a way to redeem himself.But the danger is greater then either of them could have realized. For Lynet’s fugitive brother, Colan, has allied himself with Arthur’s half-sister and sworn enemy, the sorceress Morgaine. Morgaine plans to use the troubles at Cameliard to bring about Guinevere’s downfall, fatalling weakening Arthur. Can Gareth and Lynet put aside their growing feelings for one another in order to avert catastrophe?

An highly engaging romantic fantasy set in the evocative time of King Arthur. Laurel Carnbrea, Queen of Cambryn, arrives at Camelot to marry a man she has never met – Sir Agravain, the brother of the renowned Sir Gawain.Laurel Carnbrea, Queen of Cambryn, arrives at Camelot to marry a man she has never met – Sir Agravain, the brother of the renowned Sir Gawain. Laurel has heard that Agravain is a reserved and cold man, but marriage to King Arthur’s nephew will give vital protection to her own lands. However, before the marriage can be consummated, Laurel’s new huband receives news that his father, King Lot, is dying, and he must return to his homeland of Gododdin in the north.King Lot has been mad for many years – tormented by the sorceress Morgaine, Arthur’s half-sister and deadliest enemy. Agravain and Laurel arrived to find the land of Gododdin in disarray and under threat of invasion from the Picts – led by Morgaine.Laurel has powers of her own, inherited from her grandmother, the Sea, and is prepared to use them to save the land of the new husband she is learning to love. By pitting herself against Morgaine she will face the gravest danger; and Agravain risks losing the woman who has finally managed to reach his heart…

A stunning tale of romance and magic set against the legendary backdrop of King Arthur’s court.At nineteen the beautiful Lady Rhian is clearly of marriageable age. But her father seems reluctant to give his blessing to any of her suitors. When she discovers the true reason for this – that in return for her mother's life he promised her to a sorcerer – she runs away to join a convent.The sorcerer, Euberacon, is determined to exact his payment and waylays Rhian on the road, but she is rescued by the valiant Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthur's Round Table, who gallantly offers to escort Rhian to Camelot.Gawain has grave tidings to bring to Arthur – the Saxons are growing restless, and the threat of war looms. He has taken a great risk in stopping to help Rhian. But when a band of Saxons attacks them, Rhian proves that her skills include more than tapestry and gossip – and Gawain will be captivated as much by her bravery as by her beauty.

A stunning tale of romance and magic set against the legendary backdrop of King Arthur’s court.At nineteen the beautiful Lady Rhian is clearly of marriageable age. But her father seems reluctant to give his blessing to any of her suitors. When she discovers the true reason for this – that in return for her mother's life he promised her to a sorcerer – she runs away to join a convent.The sorcerer, Euberacon, is determined to exact his payment and waylays Rhian on the road, but she is rescued by the valiant Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthur's Round Table, who gallantly offers to escort Rhian to Camelot.Gawain has grave tidings to bring to Arthur – the Saxons are growing restless, and the threat of war looms. He has taken a great risk in stopping to help Rhian. But when a band of Saxons attacks them, Rhian proves that her skills include more than tapestry and gossip – and Gawain will be captivated as much by her bravery as by her beauty.

“A rollicking spy caper in corsets. . . . This witty romp will delight fans of historical fiction as well as mystery lovers.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review of Palace of Spies As a lady in waiting in King George’s London court, Peggy has survived a forced betrothal, royal scandals, and an attempt or two on her life. And now she has a new problem: her horrible fiancé has returned to claim her! To save her neck, or at least her hand in marriage, Peggy joins forces with her cousin Olivia and her sweetheart, Matthew. But if she doesn’t play her cards right, her career as courtier and spy might come to an end at the bottom of the river Thames . . .

Charlotte Caine isn''t called "the Vampire Chef" because she''s a member of New York''s undead community-she just cooks for them. Her restaurant, Nightlife, is poised to take the top slot in the world of "haute noir" cuisine. But when a drunk customer causes a scene, a glowing review from the city''s top food critic doesn''t seem likely-especially when that customer winds up dead on Nightlife''s doorstep. Now, with her brother under suspicion for the murder, Charlotte has to re-open her restaurant and clear her brother''s name-before they both become dinner.

It''s a dream for a "Vampire Chef"-cater the high-profile wedding of a 200-year-old vampire and a wealthy witch. So why did celebrity chef Oscar Simmons walk away from this gig? Charlotte agrees to take his place, even though she knows this event, thrown by power-hungry vampires and witches, could make (or break) her career, her restaurant, and her life. But when Simmons turns up dead, the groom''s family starts vanishing, and the police start asking pointed questions, Charlotte fears she may have picked the wrong wedding to stake her reputation on...

Winner of the Locus Award for Best First Novel: With mankind spread thinly across the galaxy, two refugees must find humanity’s homeEric Born knows his way around the universe. He’s a quick-thinking merchant blessed with natural telekinetic skill. He’s also that rarest of creatures, a human being. Humans have been scattered across the universe, powerless and oppressed, dispersed so widely that no one knows what planet they first came from. Eric survives by selling his talents to the mysterious galactic tyrants known as the Rhudolant Vitae, but has never forgotten he belongs to the human race, and the distant world, the Realm of the Nameless Powers. The Realm may be a backwater, but Eric will do anything to protect his home from the merciless and powerful Vitae. With the help of fellow refugee Arla Rengate, Eric embarks on a journey across the stars. To save the Realm, he will have to cross the Vitae, and discover a secret that holds the key to the origins of mankind. 

To save an alien world, a human architect must risk destroying itFor two centuries, the planet of the Dedelphi has been riven by war. Though delicate, swanlike creatures, the planet’s natives are fierce in battle, and their ceaseless conflict has reduced their world to a wasteland. To save themselves and their world, the Dedelphi have forged a fragile peace and called for outside intervention. The Earth corporation Bioverse constructs a plan to heal the shattered planet. It’s the most ambitious engineering project the universe has ever seen, and if it backfires, the result will almost certainly be genocide. Hired to oversee the massive undertaking is architect Lynn Nussbaumer. Rebuilding the planet will take decades, and Nussbaumer’s first challenge is to arrange for a generation of Dedelphi to live out their lives in orbit around their home. When old conflicts and fresh violence emerge aboard the station and on the planet’s surface, she finds that it takes more than a talent for design to draft a blueprint for peace.

A stunning discovery by a team of scientists on Venus endangers Earth itselfAt eighty-three, Dr. Helen Failia is nearing middle age but has lost none of her fighting spirit. The founder of Earth’s first fully functioning colony on Venus, she will do anything to ensure that the home she’s built and nurtured not only survives, but thrives. Despite her constant work, funding for the colony is running out, and she’s dreading telling the ten thousand colonists they must move to Earth, a world some of them have never even seen. When one of her probes returns with the unprecedented proof of an ancient alien artifact on the surface of Venus she cannot believe her luck. This is the first evidence that humanity is not alone, and the discovery will surely secure the research colony’s future. As Helen and her team investigate the strange new find, they learn that humanity is not the only species with its eye on the planet. A dying race of spacefaring aliens needs a new home, and Venus is perfect for the people and their massive, living cities. But these newcomers consider the human presence on Venus a very small problem, one that can be swept aside if it dares get in the way.

In this New York Times Notable Book of the Year, a strange new life form threatens all of humanity, and only a fool would stand in its way Katmer Al Shei has done well with the starship Pasadena, cutting corners where necessary to keep her crew paid and her journeys profitable. But there are two things she will never skimp on: her crew—and her fool. For a long space journey, a certified Fool’s Guild clown is essential, to amuse, excite, and otherwise distract the crew from the drudgeries of interstellar flight. Her newest fool, Evelyn Dobbs, is a talented jester. But does she have enough wit to save mankind? In the computers of the Pasadena, something is emerging. The highly sophisticated software that makes interstellar travel practical is playing host to a new form of artificial intelligence, one with its own mind, its own needs, and its own desperate fears. Combatting this terrifying new threat becomes the fool’s secret fight. Evelyn Dobbs’s personal war might just cost Katmer Al Shei everything, and everyone, she holds dear. But if they fail, humanity itself is lost for good.

Four galaxy-spanning novels by an award-winning author with a “gift for creating fully realized cultures” (Booklist). In Fool’s War, Katmer Al Shei has done well with the starship Pasadena, cutting corners where necessary to keep her crew paid and her journeys profitable. But there are two things she will never skimp on: her crew—and her fool. For a long space journey, a certified Fool’s Guild clown is essential, to amuse, excite, and otherwise distract the crew from the drudgeries of interstellar flight. Her newest fool, Evelyn Dobbs, is a talented jester. But does she have enough wit to save mankind? In Playing God, the planet of the Dedelphi has been riven by war for two centuries. Though delicate, swanlike creatures, the planet’s natives are fierce in battle, and their ceaseless conflict has reduced their world to a wasteland. To save themselves and their world, the Dedelphi have forged a fragile peace and called for outside intervention. The Earth corporation Bioverse constructs a plan to heal the shattered planet. It’s the most ambitious engineering project the universe has ever seen, and if it backfires, the result will almost certainly be genocide. In The Quiet Invasion, Dr. Helen Failia is nearing middle age at eighty-three, but has lost none of her fighting spirit. The founder of Earth’s first fully functioning colony on Venus, she will do anything to ensure that the home she’s built and nurtured not only survives, but thrives. Despite her constant work, funding for the colony is running out, and she’s dreading telling the ten thousand colonists they must move to Earth, a world some of them have never even seen. When one of her probes returns with the unprecedented proof of an ancient alien artifact on the surface of Venus she cannot believe her luck. This is the first evidence that humanity is not alone, and the discovery will surely secure the research colony’s future. In Reclamation, Eric Born knows his way around the universe. He’s a quick-thinking merchant blessed with natural telekinetic skill. He’s also that rarest of creatures, a human being. Humans have been scattered across the universe, powerless and oppressed, dispersed so widely that no one knows what planet they first came from. Eric survives by selling his talents to the mysterious galactic tyrants known as the Rhudolant Vitae, but has never forgotten he belongs to the human race, and the distant world, the Realm of the Nameless Powers. The Realm may be a backwater, but Eric will do anything to protect his home from the merciless and powerful Vitae. 

A magical fantasy romance set in Arthurian England from the Philip K. Dick Award–winning author of Reclamation and The Other Sister.   An epic series featuring the women of Camelot begins with this tale of forbidden magic and enduring love.   Lady Risa of the Morelands has already caught the eyes and won the hearts of many suitors. Not one of them, though, can gain the approval of her father, Lord Rygehil. When Risa discovers his secret—that he promised her to the necromancer Euberacon—she is furious, and terrified.   Refusing to be a sacrifice, Risa runs away rather than submit to her fate. But Euberacon is determined to claim his bride, and Risa’s raw courage and archery skills are no match for his magic. Lucky for her, she is not alone.   Sir Gawain, fearless captain of King Arthur’s Round Table will never refuse a fight—or a chance to save a beautiful maiden. But no matter how distressed she is, Risa isn’t an ordinary damsel, and even in the midst of battle she poses no ordinary risk to Gawain’s gallant heart.   But Euberacon will not surrender his prize without a fight. Risa and Gawain are quickly ensnared in his web of poisonous enchantments. His deadly magics may destroy their lives, their love, and all Camelot with them.  Praise for Risa: In Camelot’s Shadow “Based on the famous poem, ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,’ this novel delivers passion, danger, and excitement laced with fantasy.” —RT Book Reviews   “Absorbing and exciting.” —Analog   “Zettel’s artful combination of romance and . . . adventures is truly magical to read and is accessible to even those unfamiliar with Arthurian writings.” —Historical Novel Society

In this romantic fantasy from the award-winning author of Reclamation, a Welsh chieftain’s daughter and an Arthurian knight battle a vile sorceress.   Steel and sorcery collide in this epic series featuring the women of Camelot.   When treachery and violence destroy Elen’s homeland, a power begins to rise inside her. But it will take more than that untested magic to avenge her family, unite her people, and reclaim their land. Her enemy receives power from an evil source: the wicked sorceress Morgaine LeFay, who will stop at nothing to destroy King Arthur and his knights of Camelot. And she plans to use Elen to work for her own vile purpose.   The thought of Elen in danger stirs something in the heart of Sir Geraint. Quiet and stalwart, he has always remembered the warmth they once shared. He will do anything to help her, even traveling undercover into enemy territory, where his martial skill and the love he shares with Elen will be put to the ultimate test . . .  Praise for Elen: For Camelot’s Honor “Lyrical, heartwarming, and engaging.” —Explorations   “Fine characterizations, lyrical writing, and intricate plotting make for a spellbinding journey.” —BookLoons Reviews

A maiden fights to bring peace to Arthurian England in this romantic fantasy from an award-winning author.   Love finds a way in this epic series featuring swords, sorcery, and the women of Camelot.   The daughter of the steward of Cambryn, Lynet has seen the damage that following one’s heart can do. Now the threat of war looms over her land. Desperately searching for a way to restore peace to her home and honor to her family, Lynet and her sister decide that Lynet will seek the help of the last heir to the ancient royal house of Cambryn: the High Queen Guinevere.   In Camelot, Gareth, squire of Sir Lancelot, is filled with pride and swagger. But when a potential war calls Queen Guinevere to Cambryn, Gareth finds himself in the company of a young woman who has no patience for his shows of bravado, and for the first time in his life Gareth finds himself with something real to prove.   The love growing between Gareth and Lynet is undeniable, but so is the danger into which they are drawn. Only if they come to terms with their pasts and learn to trust again will they be able to overcome the festering darkness threatening to consume them both.  Praise for the Queens of Camelot series “High fantasy at its best.” —SFF on Lynet: Under Camelot’s Banner   “This novel delivers passion, danger, and excitement laced with fantasy.” —RT Book Reviews on Risa: In Camelot’s Shadow   “A spellbinding journey.” —BookLoons Reviews on Elen: For Camelot’s Honor

A powerful queen and an Arthurian knight risk their lives and love for their kingdoms in this romantic fantasy from an award-winning author.   Romance and Arthurian legend combine in this epic series featuring the women of Camelot.   In order to provide protection and stability for her fractious kingdom, Laurel Carnbrea, queen of Cambryn, must marry Sir Agravain, knight of the Round Table and nephew of King Arthur, a man she has never met and about whom she knows nothing. But Laurel is determined to keep her people united, even if it means marrying a man widely believed to be heartless.   Famously acerbic and impatient, Agravain finds much to admire in his new wife’s courage, sense, and beauty. And to his surprise, finds himself opening his sealed heart to her bravery and warmth.   But Lynet and Agravain are given no time to come together. Agravain’s homeland of Gododdin is in peril. His father, the mad King Lot, is dying, and the foul sorceress Morgaine prepares to invade. Summoning her family’s magical power, Laurel readies herself for battle alongside her new husband. But as she prepares to stand against the darkest evil, Lynet’s secrets may doom her, and the man she’s beginning to love . . .  Praise for the Queens of Camelot series “A real happy ending takes love, effort, and sacrifice. Pick up a copy of Camelot’s Blood if you want an epic romance!” —Silver Petticoat Reviews on Laurel: Camelot’s Blood   “This novel delivers passion, danger, and excitement laced with fantasy.” —RT Book Reviews on Risa: In Camelot’s Shadow   “A spellbinding journey.” —BookLoons Reviews on Elen: For Camelot’s Honor

All four novels in the fantasy romance series featuring the beautiful women of Camelot from the Philip K. Dick Award–winning author of Reclamation.   In this riveting series, author Sarah Zettel expands the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table to tell the stories of those untold heroes: the Queens of Camelot . . .  Risa: In Camelot’s Shadow: When Lady Risa of the Morelands discovers her father has promised her to the evil sorcerer Euberacon, she runs away. After meeting the gallant Sir Gawain, she thinks everything has changed, but Euberacon has other plans . . .  Elen: For Camelot’s Honor: As treachery and violence threaten Elen’s homeland, a power begins to rise inside her. But with the foul witch Morgaine aiding her enemy, Elen will find strength and love in Sir Geraint.  Lynet: Under Camelot’s Banner: With the threat of war and dark magic looming over her land, Lynet travels to Camelot to seek help from the High Queen Guinevere and restore honor to her family. But she also encounters the womanizing squire, Gareth.  Laurel: By Camelot’s Blood: Laurel, queen of Cambryn, thought an arranged marriage to the reserved Sir Agravain would save her kingdom. However, she wasn’t expecting to spend her honeymoon on the battlefield.  Praise for the Queens of Camelot series “Zettel’s artful combination of romance and . . . adventures is truly magical to read and is accessible to even those unfamiliar with Arthurian writings.” —Historical Novel Society on Risa: In Camelot’s Shadow   “This novel delivers passion, danger, and excitement laced with fantasy.” —RT Book Reviews on Risa: In Camelot’s Shadow

Two sisters. One murder plan.Everyone thought reckless, troubled Geraldine Monroe was the bad sister - especially when she fled town after her mother's death twenty-five years ago.But people don't know the truth.Marie Monroe knows. She was there for their father's cruel punishments, the constant manipulation, the lies. Everyone thinks she's the perfect daughter - patient and kind, and above all obedient. No one would suspect her of anything. Especially not murder.Now Geraldine's home again, and she and Marie have united in a plan for the ultimate revenge. But when old secrets and new fears clash, everyone is pushed to the breaking point... and the sisters will learn that they can't trust anyone - not even each other.