Announcing the long-awaited third book in author David V. Stewart’s Moonsong Trilogy!
Having slipped the nooses of their pursuers in Tyrant’s Gallow, Charlotte and Rone are at last in sight of their goal as they approach Golice, but things are not as they were in the ancient city of the Wolf God.
Fear of a new plague has stopped all entry to Big Johnny’s home port, and the city is paralyzed by the dictates of an inquisitor who is none other than the high priest of the cult of Nostera. To penetrate the blockade, they must all rely on the skills of an unwanted passenger – Mineo Gordino, a scoundrel, smuggler, and debtor from Tyrant’s Gallow.
Secretly entering the city with the former prisoner Mineo’s help, Rone finds that the criminal underbelly of the once-familiar city has changed radically, and he is devoid of connections. And so, he and Charlotte must find their way through the shadows of the underworld among thieves, assassins, and opium dealers to secure the final path home.
But of course, wicked elements bring wicked ends, and nothing is quite so hazardous in Golice as doing business with the enigmatic Tom, the kingpin in control of all covert dealings in Golice, and yet Charlotte and Rone have no other choice…
David has been a stalwart newpub booster and friend of this blog. He’s also a heck of an author.
Support his work.
I recall a video from Mr. Stewart about the necessity of tailoring his cover art to meet customers’ expectations. Because of legacy publishing standards, each genre is expected to feature cover art that conforms to a certain color palette or a certain art style. I consequently wonder about all of the good stories that I avoid because of their intentionally unevocative cover art.
I will also never understand the necessity of long descriptions that name-drop characters and locations that have no meaning to potential customers. I can imagine Mr. Stewart sitting across from me in a candle-lit tavern as he explains, “But of course, wicked elements bring wicked ends, and nothing is quite so hazardous in Golice as doing business with the enigmatic Tom, the kingpin in control of all covert dealings in Golice, and yet Charlotte and Rone have no other choice…”
To which I can respond, “But Mr. Stewart, I need context. Who are Charlotte and Rone, and why are you telling me their story?”
A dialogue with an author is a one-way conversation, however, so instead of replying with something witty like, “Why don’t you buy the book to find out?” all he can do is sit there and blink—perhaps with a grin as he anticipates my purchase.
Mr. Stewart provides some background on Rone in the description for THE CITY OF SILVER, but my point remains. Modern readers maker for terrible customers.
I’m literally 30 books behind in my reading list at this point. Not because my reading has slowed down, but rather because there are too many good books to purchase these days.
Happily ordered the paperback as I enjoyed books 1 and 2.
I’m sure David appreciates it.