The Monster

Description

'Makes Game of Thrones look like Jackanory' Independent The traitor Baru Cormorant is now the cryptarch Agonist - a secret lord of the corrupt empire she's vowed to destroy. But to gain the power to shatter this Empire of Masks, she's had to betray everyone she loved. She's now hunted by a mutinous admiral and haunted by the wound which has split her mind in two. But Baru is still leading her dearest foes on an expedition, to gain the secret of immortality. It's her best and perhaps only chance to trigger a war - one that would consume the Masquerade. But Baru's heart is broken, and she fears she can no longer tell justice from revenge . or her own desires from the will of the man who remade her. The Monster is a breathtaking epic fantasy (published as The Monster Baru Cormorant in the US). It's the sequel to The Traitor, Seth Dickinson's powerful, critically acclaimed debut novel.

Seth Dickinson's short fiction has appeared in various publications including Analog, Asimov's, Clarkesworld, Lightspeed, Strange Horizons and Beneath Ceaseless Skies. He is an instructor at the Alpha Workshop for Young Writers, winner of the 2011 Dell Magazines Award, and a lapsed student of social neuroscience. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. The Monster is his second novel, following The Traitor, which was shortlisted for the 2016 David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut.

A fascinating tale of political intrigue and national unrest -- Washington Post on The Traitor A tale of intelligence and wonder, set in a believable, detailed world that is populated with rich characters. From the first page I was sucked into a world of captivating intrigue and Machiavellian politics -- John Gwynne on The Traitor Smart. Brutal. Gut-wrenching. You'll be captivated from the very first page. Dickinson is a sly, masterful writer who pulls no punches. Get ready to have your heart ripped out through your throat. Highly recommended -- Kameron Hurley on The Traitor Seth Dickinson skillfully combines intrigue, action, and philosophical musings to create a suspenseful and deeply satisfying read. An intelligent and accomplished first novel reminiscent of Le Guin in its reflections on imperialism, colonialism, and the attractions and corruptions of power -- Una McCormack on The Traitor Dickinson has written a poet's Dune, a brutal tale of empire, rebellion, fealty, and high finance that moves like a rocket and burns twice as hot. The Traitor Baru Cormorant is a mic drop for epic fantasy -- Max Gladstone on The Traitor Brutal, relentless and with the heartbreaking beauty of the best tragedies. The Traitor is a haunting book that asks hard questions about revolution, change, and what it means to keep faith -- Aliette de Bodard on The Traitor Stunning! There are moments that take my breath away -- Ellen Kushner on The Traitor In a field where too many writers simply retell the same old stories, Dickinson's originality and ambition are to be applauded -- Guardian on The Traitor Heart-stopping and utterly harrowing, and makes Game of Thrones look like Jackanory -- Independent on The Traitor The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms meets Guns, Germs, and Steel -- RisingShadow