The Silvered

Best known for her books-to-TV series Blood Ties, Huff delves into an overwhelming yet improbably seamless mix of steampunk, epic fantasy, and paranormal romance to launch a new series. The kingdom of Aydori, long ruled by werewolf packs, has merged forces with neighboring duchies against the power-hungry, were-hating Kresentian Empire. Sure of their were-blood strengths and their mage inheritances, the Aydori are shocked when the Imperials discover and exploit the weres’ secret vulnerability to silver. As warriors fall in battle, five high-ranking Aydori women are captured as a prophecy warns the Empire may be brought down by an unborn child. The fate of everyone rests on the uncertain shoulders of Tomas Hagen, younger brother to the pack leader, and Mirian Maylin, a mage who never reached her potential, as they begin a classic hero’s journey to save their kingdom. Huff fans who prefer her second-world fantasy tales (e.g., the Quarters series) will be pleased by this return to the form. Agent: Joshua A. Bilmes, JABberwocky Literary Agency. (Nov.)