WINNER of the 2019 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, and a finalist for the Nebula Award, the Locus Award, and the Lammy Award!
C. L. Polk arrives on the scene with Witchmark, a stunning, addictive fantasy that combines intrigue, magic, betrayal, and romance. The New York Times calls it "thoroughly charming and deftly paced ... an accomplished and enjoyable debut."
In an original world reminiscent of Edwardian England in the shadow of a World War, cabals of noble families use their unique magical gifts to control the fates of nations, while one young man seeks only to live a life of his own.
Magic marked Miles Singer for suffering the day he was born, doomed either to be enslaved to his family's interest or to be committed to a witches' asylum. He went to war to escape his destiny and came home a different man, but he couldn't leave his past behind. The war between Aeland and Laneer leaves men changed, strangers to their friends and family, but even after faking his own death and reinventing himself as a doctor at a cash-strapped veterans' hospital, Miles can't hide what he truly is.
When a fatally poisoned patient exposes Miles' healing gift and his witchmark, he must put his anonymity and freedom at risk to investigate his patient's murder. To find the truth he'll need to rely on the family he despises, and on the kindness of the most gorgeous man he's ever seen.
"This book has it all: alternate history Edwardian world, magic system world-building, murder mystery, family drama, examination of class systems--did I mention magic?--and a sweet male/male romance."--Alyssa Cole
About the Author :
C. L. Polk wrote her first story in grade school and still hasn't learned any better. After spending years in strange occupations and wandering western Canada, she settled in southern Alberta with her rescue dog Otis. She has had short stories published in Baen's Universe and contributes to the web serial Shadow Unit.
Samuel Roukin, Earphones Award-winning narrator, is a British film and stage actor who is best known for his role as Snatcher in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. He has also appeared in Bright Star and Miss Austin Regrets.
Review :
"A crackler, with layers like a nesting doll and just as delightful to discover. Witchmark is a can't-miss debut that will enchant readers."
-- "Booklist (starred review)"
"Samuel Roukin narrates a charming fantasy that also features intrigue and a hint of romance...Roukin highlights [Miles's] earnestness, making it the key feature of his characterization. Similarly, Miles's sister, Grace, is brash yet unsure of herself, and all too aware of her precarious position in society--all of which come through in Roukin's portrayal. These assets, along with fully developed secondary characters and a rich setting, will leave listeners eager for a sequel. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award."
-- "AudioFile"
"Thoroughly charming and deftly paced."
-- "New York Times"
