The Sin in the Steel

Van Loan mixes derring-do and dark intrigue for an action-packed, coming-of-age debut, the first in his Fall of the Gods series. After being accused of murder, brilliant 17-year-old tactician Buc and her partner in adventure, 19-year-old ex-soldier Eld, are coerced into working for the powerful Kanados Trading Company. If they can discover why certain company ships have gone missing of late, and find a way to stop whoever’s behind it, Buc and Eld will be cleared of charges and rewarded quite handsomely. But as their journey takes them to far-flung ports and into the thick of an ancient plot hatched by warring religious factions and enigmatic gods, the duo may not survive to collect their payment. Their swashbuckling adventures pit the Sherlock Holmesian Buc and her best (and only) friend against pirates, zombies, and shape-shifting mages with equal aplomb. Buc and Eld are charmers, and their easy yet still growing camaraderie will make readers feel like they are witnessing a long-established relationship. Though Buc’s own motivations remain hidden for much of the tale, the memorable foes and edge-of-your-seat entertainment more than make up for this minor frustration. This is unadulterated fun. Agent: DongWon Song, Howard Morhaim Literary. (July)