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OUT NOW: The Knave of Secrets by Alex Livingston!

We’re delighted that Alex Livingston’s brilliant The Knave of Secrets is OUT NOW!

The Lies of Locke Lamora meets Casino Royale in this twisty tale of con artists and card games, following a group of misfits who are old enough to know avoiding trouble is the wise choice—but the greatest risks reap the greatest rewards.

Never stake more than you can afford to lose.

When failed magician turned cardsharp Valen Quinol is given the chance to play in the Forbearance Game—the invitation-only tournament where players gamble with secrets—he can’t resist. Or refuse, for that matter, according to the petty gangster sponsoring his seat at the table. Valen beats the man he was sent to play, and wins the most valuable secret ever staked in the history of the tournament.

Now Valen and his motley crew are being hunted by thieves, gangsters, spies and wizards, all with their own reasons for wanting what’s in that envelope. It’s a game of nations where Valen doesn’t know all the rules or who all the players are, and can’t see all the moves. But he does know if the secret falls into the wrong hands, it could plunge the whole world into war…

‘A fast-paced action story steeped in magic, history, political intrigue, and suspense.’ — Booklist

‘Intrigue and magic aplenty’ — Publishers Weekly

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Solaris acquires Knave of Secrets, a high fantasy by Alex Livingston

Alex Livingston

Solaris are delighted to announce the acquisition of magical fantasy Knave of Secrets by Alex Livingston, which is due for release in 2022.

Editor David Thomas Moore acquired World English rights in Livingston’s new novel from Becky LeJeune at Bond Literary Agency.

Synopsis:

Valen Quinol couldn’t care less about local politics. Instead, he’s intent on fleecing as many of the local gentry as he can in order to practice his particular brand of “luck” magic. When he’s given the opportunity to play in an invitation-only game of chance in exchange for simply ensuring that one particular player loses, he can’t resist. Or refuse, as it turns out.  He’s forced to play whether he likes it or not… and losing is not an option.

Valen and his misfit crew of gamblers become targets in a game with stakes much higher than money. The very freedom of the land they call home is on the line, and the very real possibility of war is on the horizon.

Author Alex Livingston on the acquisition:

“In the world of this book, a deck of cards in the right hands can be more powerful than armies – and a lot more fun. I had a blast writing this book, and I’m so excited to work with Solaris to share it with you.”

Editor David Thomas Moore:

“Ask me how into period games I am, I beg you: I spent this afternoon playing Nine Men’s Morris, Fox and Geese and Hnefetafl with my seven-year-old kid (at her insistence) using my own handmade games compendium. It’s such a joy to find someone who’s as big a nerd as me, and Knave of Secrets is a slick, stylish fantasy novel to boot. I’m utterly delighted.”

Alex Livingston grew up in various quiet New England towns before moving to Buffalo, NY to study English at Canisius College. He writes SFF prose and interactive fiction. Alex is married and lives in an old house with his brilliant wife and a pile of aged videogame systems.

For enquiries please contact Hanna Waigh, Fiction – PR & Marketing Manager: hanna.waigh@rebellion.co.uk.