Cirrus@Austlit

'Saturnalia in Aufleur is a time of topsy-turvy revels, of the world turned upside down and transformed before your eyes. The city's theatres produce an annual display of reversals, surprises and transformations.

'In this city, flappers can transform into wolves. Even the rats are not what they seem.

'Evie Inglirra is on a mission to infiltrate the theatrical world of Aufleur and discover what lies beneath their glamorous cabaret costumes and backstage scandals. Has she bitten off more than she can chew?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'She almost missed the sight of a naked youth falling out of the sky. He was long and lean and muscled ... He was also completely off his face.

'A war is being fought in the skies over the city of Aufleur. No one sees the battles. No one knows how close they come to destruction every time the sun sets.

'During daylight, all is well, but when nox falls and the sky turns bright, someone has to step up and lead the Creature Court into battle.

'Twelve years ago, Garnet kissed Velody and stole her magic. Five years ago, he betrayed Ashiol, and took his powers by force. But now the Creature Court is at a crossroads ... they need a Power and Majesty who won′t give up or lose themselves in madness ...' (From the publisher's website.)

'She could hear that laughter again, and for a moment Velody was confused, not sure which dead man was mocking her.

'Velody now holds the leadership of the Creature Court. The unsteady alliances within the Court are beginning to fracture, as a series of murders and disappearances throw suspicion on one of their own. Ashiol finds Aufleur′s many festivals frivolous, until a major one is cancelled. Unease grows. It seems nothing can save the city from a massacre ... nothing but the ultimate sacrifice from one of the Creature Kings.' (From the publisher's website.)

Three kings fight bitterly for power and dominance over Aufleur and the streets run red with blood. Some believe that Velody has betrayed them as a new Power and Majesty rises, one who has no hesitation in torturing or killing those he should protect. At Saturnalia, the fate of the city will be decided. If Velody cannot persuade Ashiol to trust her again, Aufleur will fall. Source: www.harpercollins.com.au/ (Sighted 22/08/2012).