A Swift and Savage Tide

Neill’s rip-roaring second Capt. Kit Brightling fantasy (after The Bright and Breaking Sea) pits Queen’s Guard Kit and her crew against a dangerous magical enemy. It’s looking increasingly like the Saxon Isles are headed back into war with former Gallic Emperor Gerard Rousseau, who’s escaped from prison and aims to dethrone Queen Charlotte. Now Kit and her crew on the Diana set sail to Gallia, where Rousseau was last sighted, on a reconnaissance mission. Once on land, Kit and her midshipman, Cooper, find more than they bargained for when they discover that the war criminal known as “La Boucher,” who caused a massive magical disaster and was believed to have died in the resulting fire, is still alive—and he’s practicing even more dangerous magic. Equally surprising is the man who comes to their rescue when they’re arrested as spies: Col. Rian Grant, Viscount Queenscliffe. Aided by Grant, the Diana makes a narrow escape, kicking off a string of further adventures for Kit and Grant, who grow closer while working to stop both Gerard and Le Boucher. Adventure, romance, and the return of Neill’s strong heroine make for an engrossing installment. This will delight series fans and new readers alike. Agent: Lucienne Diver, the Knight Agency. (Nov.)