In the fourth volume of the Fourth Talisman series, Nazafareen risks everything on a desperate gamble to stop the Vatras once and for all… With Meb safely among her own people, Nazafareen has finally embraced her dangerous fire magic. She is the Fourth Talisman, destined to free the heirs from the wards binding their own extraordinary power. With Nocturne and Solis poised on the brink of war, the choices she makes will decide the fate of mortals and daevas alike. Determined to confront Culach and make amends, Nazafareen goes to Val Moraine, setting off a chain of events that ultimately leads her deep into the perilous wasteland called the Kiln and the faceless enemy waiting there. But the ancient hatred that shattered the world a millennium before is stronger and far more devious than she and her companions imagine. Is the Viper truly dead? And can Nazafareen triumph without facing the darkness that lurks within her own heart?

Nemesis (The Fourth Talisman)

Literature & Fiction

Ross, Kat

Genre Fiction

Kat Ross

In the last volume of the Fourth Talisman series, the worlds of the living and the dead collide in a final confrontation that will leave Nocturne and Solis forever changed….Three talismans adrift.Two mad kings. One poisonous crown.As dark forces gather at the Rock of Ariamazes in Samarqand, Nazafareen discovers that there are worse places than the afterlife. The twisted creature pulling the Vatras’ strings is holed up in the deepest level of the Dominion—and only she has the power to follow him there, though at the potential cost of her own soul.Prophecy claims the three daeva clans must unite to face their greatest enemy again, but two of the talismans have vanished and the third is a child more used to skulking in the shadows than leading an army. Meb the Mouse might be their last hope—if anyone bothers to take her seriously.And within the confines of the Rock, a dying king makes a pact with the devil, setting in motion a chain of events that could spell doom for friends and foes alike.WARNING: This book contains twists and turns, richly deserved comeuppances, shocking revelations, knock-down, drag-out fights, obsessive stalkers, some very nasty monsters…and, of course, true love.

Inferno (The Fourth Talisman)

THE JOBIt was supposed to be simple.Help Marshal Sebastian Hardin escort his prisoner one stop on the railway to Charter Oak.Just one stop.But when that prisoner is a savant who talks to ghosts, even the simplest plans have a way of falling apart.THE LAWSheriff's Deputy Ruth Cortez always does the right thing. Lucky Boy is a company town, dependent on the rich and powerful Carnarvon family. Besides which, the charismatic Sebastian Hardin isn't an easy man to say no to. When his transport derails in the middle of the prairie, Ruth begins a relentless manhunt that leads straight into the dark heart of the Carnarvon empire.THE FUGITIVELee Merriweather favors sharp suits and fast trains - especially when he's stealing them. At the ripe old age of 18, he's managed to become the most wanted criminal in three territories. Lee can't resist playing cat and mouse with a small-town deputy, but what starts as a game becomes deadly serious.THE FIXERSebastian Hardin is the Carnarvons' right hand, loyal to the death and willing to keep any secret to protect the family. They want Lee alive, but with the young savant's disturbing abilities it won't be an easy proposition. Whoever catches Lee gets the keys to the kingdom and the Carnarvons aren't the only ones hunting him down. Sebastian has enough problems without falling for Deputy Cortez - but you can't always choose who you love.THE PHANTOMSThey terrorized the settlers until Calindra Carnarvon learned to speak their language. Her empire relies on controlling their telekinetic powers, but Lee Merriweather could destroy it all. And not even Lee suspects the shocking truth of the phantoms' real nature.

A Feast of Phantoms (Lingua Magika)

Science Fiction & Fantasy

Fantasy

Count Balthazar Jozsef Habsburg-Koháry tries to lead a simple life.Oh, he enjoys a few hobbies.Hunting necromancers with a wire garrote. Impersonating a filthy rich Hungarian noble. Seducing innocent women who never suspect the price of the count's attentions. Nursing a nice brandy by the fire.But considering what Balthazar used to be like, these pastimes are harmless. He's turned over a new leaf and deserves his moment in the sun. What could be better than a holiday cruise up the Nile with his secretary Lucas Devereaux? Surely they deserve a reward for assassinating the famously paranoid necromancer John Mortlake in the middle of Cairo's teeming bazaar.With a first-class cabin and flowing champagne, it's a merry little Christmas for Count Koháry.There's just one thing that might ruin his mood.Say, for example, if someone stole the talisman that keeps him from burning for all eternity in the forges of Hell.That would really suck.Unfortunately for Balthazar, he just killed the wrong necromancer - one with a vengeful daughter and her own problems with a gang of djinni. To get his mojo back, he'll have to win a legendary sword and liberate a desert kingdom of magical misfits. For centuries, the people of Al Miraj have sought a champion. A valiant hero willing to face the terrible wrath of the arch demon Fulad-zereh!What they get is Balthazar.But the gods always did like a good joke.

Balthazar's Bane (Gaslamp Gothic)

All Down But Nine (Lingua Magika)

A city simmering with repressed urges…\nA fallen angel bent on chaos…\nAnd a conspiracy that could destroy them all.\nCan 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.\nThe Church keeps a tight leash on its citizens. It tests every child for psychological deviancy.\nIf you pass, you're given a Mark. A tattoo that lets you use the ley power—and shields you from your most primal desires.\nFor the lucky ones, the world is at their feet. The rest suffer a life of menial jobs and hopelessness.\nWhen 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?\nYou’ll love the first book in this epic fantasy series because the lush weaving of intrigue, action and slow-burn romance will keep you on the edge of your seat.\nGet it now.\nPraise for City of Storms\n“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\n"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\n"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\n“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\n“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

City of Storms (Nightmarked)

A Pontifex is dead. Another has risen. Civil war looms and the fate of the continent hangs from the threads of four lives.The High Priestess. Kasia Novak fled Novostopol pursued by a shadowy cult called the Order of the Black Sun. Struggling to master her power, she takes shelter with a powerful Kvengard family. The Danzigers are old friends of her mentor Tessaria Foy and promise to see the women safely to Nantwich. But something is wrong at their remote manor house. Ghostly figures stalk the grounds at night. Her readings hint at dire peril. Who is the Jack of Wolves? To practice the art of cartomancy, one must be willing to open doors. Kasia knows the true danger lies not in the cards, but what waits on the other side.The Knight. At the Arx in Kvengard, Alexei Bryce races against time to solve a spate of child abductions. The case leads him down ever darker paths--and towards both his brother and the woman he yearns for. An ancient text on alchemy holds the keys to the mystery, yet not even Alexei suspects the dark purpose for which the children have been taken.The Martyr. Deep in the Morho Sarpanitum, Lezarius begins to remember who deposed him and drove him mad. The Beast of Bal Agnar--a man the rest of the world believes long dead. Only Mikhail Bryce, rendered mute by his inverted Mark, knows the truth. But the forest itself has turned against them and Lezarius's only hope lies in Kvengard--if nihilim hunters don't find them first.The Fool. At the ruins of Bal Kirith, the Nightmage Malach tries to seduce Nikola Thorn into staying as his lover, but Nikola is not easily manipulated. She carries Malach's child--a powerful half-blood--and fears the wrath of his deranged aunt, the Pontifex Beleth. By the terms of their bargain, Malach must help Nikola reach the witches of Dur-Athaara, but letting her go demands that he renounce his selfish nature. A man with one foot in light and the other in deepest shadow, Malach's choice will have consequences for them all.

City of Wolves (Nightmarked)

Lust is a siren. Greed is a dragon. But revenge is the most seductive mistress of all. Held captive by the witches of Dur-Athaara, Malach would give anything to return to the land he once despised. He longs to find his child and the Unmarked woman who stole his heart. But the witch-queen has declared him too dangerous to run loose, a prophecy that proves right when Malach escapes to wreak havoc on a continent already poised at the brink of civil war.Kasia's Tarot named him The Fool, a wild card who is unpredictable but not wholly lost. Yet when Malach learns that his daughter wears the Raven Mark of his worst enemy, he tumbles down a rabbit hole that could lead to ruin for everyone he loves. Nikola Thorn might be the only person who can bring Malach to his senses, but she walks her own path now-one that involves the same witches who took him prisoner.Across the sea in the icy fortress of Sinjali's Lance, Alexei fears his brother is sliding into the abyss again. Desperate for a cure, he takes Mikhail to Nantwich, where Kasia is hunting Balaur's disciples. It's a risky game-especially with Balaur entering her dreams at whim. Forbidden to use her power, Kasia walks a razor's edge that crumbles when the city falls and her own brother names himself the new pontifex.As the Black Sun rises over the Morho Sarpanitum, sworn enemies must join forces to stop an unspeakable evil from devouring the world.

City of Keys (Nightmarked)

Hunting monsters requires three things.Unflinching courage.Decent shoes for running away when the first fails.And a willingness to spend one's honeymoon in the wilds of Scotland.Harry isn't entirely convinced about the last one. But her beloved has his heart set on visiting the sleepy village of Drumnadrochit, which just happens to sit on the shore of Loch Ness.Rumors swirl around the loch-whispered tales of a huge hump-backed creature seen swimming through the murk.John can't resist the lure of a yet-undiscovered species. Harry agrees to investigate . . .if he promises to do the rowing.When they arrive, they discover that they're not the only ones chasing Nessie. A local newspaper is offering a reward for the first photograph and droves of amateur monster hunters descend on the village, including Harry's godfather, Arthur Conan Doyle.If that isn't enough to dash her hopes for a romantic interlude, a series of brutal murders points to yet another legendary beast-one which, as Uncle Arthur puts it, "has the footprints of a gigantic hound!" It will take all of Harry's cunning to uncover the truth behind the deaths-and what lurks beneath the dark, chill waters of the loch.You'll love The Beast of Loch Ness for its witty banter, spine-chilling monster mash-up, and diabolically clever mystery.Get it now.

The Beast of Loch Ness: A Gaslamp Gothic Victorian Paranormal Mystery

Deep in the burning sands of the Masdar League stands a gate.It guards the legendary City of Dawn.A source of magic so powerful, it holds the secret to immortality.If the Red King Balaur finds it, he'll make himself a dark god. Reshape the world in his own bloodthirsty image.But the desert dwellers took precautions to hide the source. The gate can only be opened with special keys-each forged from a different alchemical metal. And the keys are held by seven guilds of deadly assassins. Only a madman or a Fool would try to steal them.As war explodes on the continent and intrigues simmer at the Golden Imperator's court, a band of unlikely saviors must pull off an impossible heist to stop the unthinkable and save the ley. You'll love Book #4 in the Nightmarked series for its heart-pounding action, star-crossed romance and skin-crawling villains.

City of Dawn (Nightmarked)

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Books by Kat Ross