Malachite
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Marion Casterline is the highwarden of Malachite, an ancient, beautiful city floating in a shallow sea. In the aftermath of a brutal gang war, there is finally peace in the city, and new life every year through the sacred ritual of Aequora. Through Aequora, exiles, outlaws, and orphans can become citizens of Malachite. This ritual is vital to the city's survival, because Malachite is populated only by males.
Jean Rivard grew up in the Zanzare slums at Marion's side. As boys, they were branded into the violent Teschio gangs ruling the criminal underworld of Malachite. Known in the slums as the Prince, Jean became a spy, an assassin, and Marion's lover. As men, they worked together to destroy the Teschio and crown Kon Sessane as magestros of the city, only to drift apart after the battles were won: Jean to the Black Keep, Marion to the grand halls of the Consolari.
When Marion announces his engagement to Kon's son, Jean is hurt and resentful. Marion is leaving him and their past behind in every possible way. Marion also believes that he's starting a new life, but when a charismatic rebel leader kindles a revolt in the slums, he realizes that the only man who can prevent war from devouring the city he loves is his very own prince.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Romance and intrigue intertwine in this leisurely romantic fantasy series launch. Estranged lovers Marion and Jean both occupy positions of authority as highwardens in the island city of Malachite, to which they have been exiled from the matriarchic mainland. Both are responsible for welcoming new exiles, and Jean serves as a district warden for the dangerous area known as the Zanzare. As Marion prepares for his wedding to the much-younger Tris, son of the city's ruler, the three men are caught up in matters of state and affairs of both the heart and body. A rebel is stirring up unrest among the gangs, evoking memories of an older, more chaotic period of Malachite's history. To keep the peace, Marion and Jean must work together despite lingering emotional wounds. The slow-burning plot takes a backseat to the romantic complications facing the leads, emphasizing drama over action and erotic interludes over adrenaline and adventure. The setting creaks under the weight of history and corruption, with Crow (the Scarlet and the White Wolf series) drawing on Italian imagery and flavor for atmosphere and influence. This works well as a subtle romance, but readers looking primarily for epic fantasy may feel a bit let down. (BookLife)
