The Fugitive and the Vanishing Man

Illusionist spy Elizabeth Barnabus has barely returned from her pirate voyage in The Outlaw and the Upstart King when she is forced to venture back to the fringes of the Gas-Lit Empire in the exhilarating third installment of Duncan’s The Map of Unknown Things series. Upon returning to London, Elizabeth must recount her adventures to the hostile Patent Office, a clever bit of exposition that will ease new readers into the steam punk world of this alternate history. When the Patent Office brands Elizabeth a traitor, she flees to America and the untamed wilds of the Oregon territory to track down her long-lost twin, Edwin, and prove her patriotism by finding evidence of the forces threatening the Empire. Despite years of separation and differing politics, Elizabeth and Edwin’s bond is intense and their reunion touching. Edwin comes out to Elizabeth as nonbinary, leading to a tender exploration of gender identity. But trouble’s brewing in Oregon, and Elizabeth is torn between loyalty to her twin or her beloved Empire. The charismatic duo at the heart of this adventure are sure to please. Agent: Ed Wilson, Johnson & Alcock. (Jan)