Revolution

The jam-packed second novel in Goodwater’s intricate Cold War fantasy series (after Breach) blends history, magic, and James Bond–style intrigue. In 1958, Karen O’Neil works as the head researcher for the Department of Theoretical Magic in Washington, D.C., despite struggling with her own magic ever since a battle in Berlin three years ago left her questioning her powers. A package sent by a former colleague puts Karen on the trail of an international mystery involving a missing child and monsters created by the government. Her search for the truth takes her to Havana, Cuba, where the Communist revolution is brewing, magic hungry mobsters vie for power, the Soviets watch Karen’s every move, and what starts as a straightforward mystery spirals into a complex political chess match. Goodwater imbues each member of his extensive cast of spies, rebels, and shadowy villains with a distinct voice and motivation. By turns humorous, suspenseful, and deeply disquieting, this meaty thriller will keep readers on the edges of their seats. Agent: Jennifer Udden, Barry Goldblatt Literary. (Nov.)