The Crystal Shore

Every legend starts with a mistake worth correcting.

Killian O'Shea has spent twenty-seven years perfecting two things: his smile and his swagger. As a charlatan carving his living from card tables on the rugged coast of Vermor, he's built a life that suits him well, so long as he doesn't think about the people he's lost, or the role he played in their deaths.

Then Ren Thorncliffe scurries into his life, neurotic and spectacularly out of his depth. Ren's father is all he has, and he’s dying. The only cure is an artefact locked inside a temple on an island that most seafarers swear doesn't exist. According to Ren’s father, Killian is the only person who can retrieve it.

With redemption for his past and the small matter of the Thorncliffe family fortune on offer, Killian can’t say no.

Their only hope is the formidable pirate queen Lily Rothbone, the one person alive who knows exactly how to get under Killian's skin. With her crew of rogues and a map to the unknown, they set sail.

When the island's temple proves impenetrable, Killian is left with one option: to descend the Demon's Drop, a monstrous circular waterfall in the open ocean and find the key. Only one person has ever survived the fall. For Killian, that’s practically a recommendation.

'An excellent read for lovers of high-adventure fantasy looking to fall into a fantastical world filled with unexpected twists and unforgettable characters.' - The Books That Make You.

'This novel is a testament to de-Lancey's skilful storytelling and ability to balance action, character development, and romance with the restrained hand of a seasoned, wonderfully talented writer.' - Readers' Favorite.

The Crystal Shore was the winner of two gold awards at the spring 2023 Book Fest awards. It came first in both Epic Fantasy, and Magic, Myths and Legends. It also has 5-star recognition from the Readers' Favorite.