City of Storms

WINNER OF THE 2022 READERS' FAVORITE GOLD MEDAL FOR MAGIC & WIZARDRY!A tarot reader with a dangerous past. Two mortal enemies. And a conspiracy that could burn it all down.In the perfect world of the Via Sancta, magical power flows through intricate tattoos on your skin. They promote harmony and suppress base urges like greed, lust, and anger.But sometimes the marks invert-driving you mad.Alexei Bryce hunts these deviants for the Church, secretly hoping to find the dark mage who turned his brother. The trail leads to Kasia Novak, a cartomancer who is more than she seems. The cards say they are fated to fall in love-if they can survive long enough.Because now that same dark mage has infiltrated the city's wards and is hunting Kasia.Alexei and the nightmage called Malach fought on opposite sides of the bloody civil war years before. But despite the Church's claim of victory, the conflict is far from over. And Alexei will discover that his faith's triumph over the darkest recesses of the human soul is more fragile than he ever imagined.Praise for City of Storms"Richly textured and fabulously conceived. Ross drapes a tense political thriller in a trench coat of dark fantasy. Readers should expect the unexpected." –Kirkus Reviews"I'm not prone to bouts of effusiveness but I couldn't gush enough about Kat Ross's books, I enjoy them so much. This one has a Slavic feel, which was really interesting to me, and I loved the rainy city of Novostopol (also the map illustration is gorgeous). Added to the unique setting and fantasy elements are Ross's usual mix of great characters, a twisty-turny plot, romance and a touch of humour. I already can't wait for Book 2!" –Evelyn, Goodreads"I loved the setting, which is technologically advanced yet progress is suppressed - it gave it a 1930's noir feel. I'd compare it favourably to the 'tsarpunk' of the Grishaverse. Relatable characters and fast-paced and well-thought-out action drive this story along and have me eagerly awaiting the sequel." –A. Adler, Goodreads"A masterpiece of magical fantasy which mixes its unique concepts into the darkest psychology of the human mind and its most base physical desires and emotions. Action, excitement, and darkness in all the right places. An unmissable and original read." –K.C. Finn for Readers Favorite, 5 Stars"A rousing adventure [and] skillful fusion of history, fantasy, and religion. It contains word paintings with arresting beauty and a three-dimensional character that is torn between duty and loyalty. I definitely recommend City of Storms for its unique twists, turns, and brilliant storyline." –Vincent Dublado for Readers Favorite, 5 Stars Kat Ross worked as a journalist at the United Nations for ten years before happily falling back into what she likes best: making stuff up. She's the author of the new Lingua Magika trilogy, the Fourth Element and Fourth Talisman historical fantasy series, the Gaslamp Gothic paranormal mysteries, and the dystopian thriller Some Fine Day. She loves myths, monsters and doomsday scenarios. Come visit her at www.katrossbooks.com! A city simmering with repressed urges…A fallen angel bent on chaos…And a conspiracy that could destroy them all.Can one woman harness her own psychic power to stop it?In a world with three layers of ever darker magic, few dare to wield the most dangerous. And those who try can fall prey to violent madness.The Church keeps a tight leash on its citizens. It tests every child for psychological deviancy. If you pass, you're given a Mark. A tattoo that lets you use the ley power-and shields you from your most primal desires.For the lucky ones, the world is at their feet. The rest suffer a life of menial jobs and hopelessness.When tarot reader Kasia crosses paths with a young priest who hunts deviants, her own ugly secret is dragged into the light. Will they learn to trust each other in time to stop a greater evil from corrupting their world?You'll love the first book in this epic fa