From the Gemmell Award-shortlisted author of THE TETHERED MAGE, THE OBSIDIAN TOWER launches a bold new epic fantasy trilogy in which one woman's powers and choices may save - or destroy - a continent. As the granddaughter of a Witch Lord of Vaskandar, Ryx was destined for power and prestige. But a childhood illness left her with broken magic that drains the life from anything she touches, and Vaskandar has no place for a mage with unusable powers. So Ryx has resigned herself to an isolated life as the warden of her grandmother's castle. At the castle's heart lies a black tower. Sealed by magic, it guards a dangerous secret that has been contained for thousands of years. But when Ryx discovers a visiting envoy attempting to break into the tower, a magical accident leaves her with blood on her hands. Unwittingly, Ryx has unleashed a threat that could engulf the whole continent. She and an unlikely collection of new-found allies must contain it, and the political conflicts that follow, or else everything she loves will fall to darkness. Praise for Melissa Caruso: 'I think [Caruso] is sublimely talented . . . A phenomenally well-written, engrossing political fantasy series' Fantasy Book Review 'Caruso's world-building is brilliant and complex' Library Journal 'A dashing, compelling and exciting story, blending magic, assassination, conspiracy and diplomacy . . . I'll make no bones about it, I loved this book' Blue Book Balloon on THE DEFIANT HEIR