A Sword of Bronze and Ashes

Spark (The Court of Broken Knives) blends Celtic mythology and grimdark fantasy into an enthralling tale of female power. Kanda, a mother, wife, and gifted homesteader, is forced to flee with her family when a group of raiders from her past destroy her village and her home. The attack forces her to reveal her most closely guarded secret: she was once part of an elite set of magical warriors responsible for beating back the overpowering darkness threatening to overtake their land. She thought she’d left violence in her past, but now it’s found her and she must take up arms once more—but this time, her daughters want to fight beside her. The narrative moves fluidly between Kanda’s past and present, filling in a lush backstory while still maintaining the suspense. Smith’s poetic prose gives the adventure a mythic feel that enhances its folkloric and folk horror elements. Balancing the violence of war with emotional depth and thematic explorations of motherhood and legacy, this gripping outing is a testament to Spark’s power as a storyteller. Agent: Ian Drury, Sheil Land Associates. (Sept.)