Cirrus@Austlit

'On the edge of a mystical border called the Limen, close to a beautiful canal-laced city, a humble candlemaker rescues a child whom he raises as his apprentice.

'Years pass and the child's unusual talents are revealed, the gentle art of candlemaking slowly transforming into something far more sinister.

'Lingering in the shadows, enemies watch and wait - a vengeful aristocrat, an exotic queen and the lethal creatures known only as the Morte Whisperers.

'They hunger after the child's ancient magic and will do anything to control it - betray, lie, manipulate. Even murder.

'A story of intrigue, deadly magic and a love so deep it transcends life itself. (From the publisher's website.)

'La Serenissima - a beautiful but deadly city where corrupt aristocrats rule and everything, including love, has a price.

'Tallow is anything but a simple candlemaker and when she has everything taken away from her - friends, family, hope - all she can do to survive is rely on the Maleovellis. Casting aside the safety of her disguise, she becomes cold-hearted Tarlo, female courtesan and the toast of those who, if they knew her secret, would destroy her.

'But the intrigues of the Serenissian nobility are nothing against the larger forces moving within the world.

'And Tallow's enemies have a hidden asset: the one thing they know she cannot possibly resist.' (From the publisher's website.)