Window Wall

The personal travails of magical theater group Touchstone continue to interweave with the greater welfare of their country in Rawn’s rich but leisurely fourth Glass Thorns installment (after Thornlost). Playwright Cayden Silversun and his troupe are enjoying a stellar reputation despite internal conflicts, many stemming from Cade’s deliberate refusal to experience the Elsewhens, glimpses of possible futures. When Mieka Windthistle suggests that Cade might have been able to prevent a suspicious construction accident on Cade’s Namingday, Cade reluctantly opens himself to receiving the visions, including one of an attack on the royal family. Rising opposition from anti-magical factions in both the theater and the general populace, political intrigue, and the consequences of Cade and Mieka’s drug use all contribute to a fully fleshed and atmospheric Renaissance fantasy world. Readers new to the series will struggle to get their footing, but fans will love this lush installment. Agent: Russell Galen, Scovil Galen Ghosh Literary. (Apr.)