A Crown for Cold Silver
Book One of the Crimson Empire
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4.3 • 17 Ratings
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- £2.99
Publisher Description
Cold Cobalt, the Banshee with a Blade, First Among Villains . . . Queen Zosia
When there were no more titles to win and no more worlds to conquer, the warrior queen Zosia faked her demise and gave up her legend to history. But when violence finds its way to her door years later, she must round up her adventuring companions - each surprised to see her alive - and set out for revenge.
Time has not been kind to her old comrades, and some have only their own goals in mind. Not only that, but there's a young, beautiful and skilled general out there, gathering soldiers to her banner for a war against the deadliest of enemies. The girl is using a legend she did not earn, and calling herself by a name that was never hers - that of Zosia herself.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The sprawling, warring cast and magical-medieval setting of Marshall's series launch may look familiar at first, but exceptional writing, a middle-aged warrior heroine, and organically infused gender nonconformity make this fantasy epic a first-rate trailblazer. From the first, when former rebel leader and queen Cobalt Zosia all but dismantles the young officer sent to destroy her life, Zosia's assurance and intelligence establish a commanding presence. Believing her successor responsible for the massacre of Zosia's husband and village, she abandons her 20-year self-imposed exile and sets out with aching joints, palpable grief, and hearty libido to revive her rebel army. Marshall blends character, background, history, and action to create a seamless fantasy realm of weary mercenaries, randy adrenaline-fueled nobles, conflicted religious fanatics, old grudges, new betrayals, and one endearing demon dog. With a tactician's skill, Marshall introduces elements of plot and character that are enlarged and enveloped in the central story line, but careful structuring never precludes chaotic action or emotion, nor does it undermine any of the third-act surprises. The hidden identity of the highly skilled, pseudonymous author adds an interesting wrinkle, and the splendid storytelling, wry humor, and unresolved intrigue will leave readers hungry for the sequels.
