City of Betrayal
Page 41
Nicole, Iron-Grip Cook, she/her
In charge of the Dathirii’s kitchens. Don’t mention Yultes to her.
Alton, Considerate Spy, he/him
Part of Branwen’s network of spies and friends. They disagree on fashion, though.
NOBLE FAMILIES OF ISANDOR
House Lorn
Founding family, and currently the biggest family in Isandor. Holds more seats on the Golden Table than any other House.
House Allastam
Second biggest family in Isandor. Its rise to power can be attributed almost entirely to the current Lord Allastam.
House Balthazar
A rising star in Isandor politics. Its wealth increase is recent but, speculation says, unlikely to last. Third biggest house.
House Dathirii
Founding family and the only elven noble house.
House Brasten
House of medium importance. Has managed to retain a seat on the Golden Table despite the family’s often deadly hereditary illness.
House Carrington
Founding family that fell from power after a botanical spell gone wrong infected and killed half their family. Still sits at the Golden Table.
House Serringer
Small house that has a fur monopoly. One seat at the Golden Table.
House Almanza
Minor Isandor house. One seat at the Golden Table.
I talked quite a lot about the origins of Isandor in City of Strife’s acknowledgements, and while those who helped me start this universe will always remain close to my heart, it takes more than a spark to write such a massive project. My eternal thanks to Marianne, who devours everything I write as I write it, to Audrey for the hours of roleplay, to Jonathan who has shared so many hours of plotting, and to Katie and Brenda, whose early enthusiasm let me believe I had a worthwhile story. You were with me long before I even published City of Strife.
So many new voices have fuelled my creative energies since publication. There are not enough heartfelt thanks in this world for the readers, reviewers, and fellow writers who have fallen in love with these characters and their story. Your fan art and excited messages brightened my days this year. A very special thank you to the aromantic and asexual communities—little is more motivating and heartwarming than your warm welcome of this representation and the many heartfelt thanks I received. So many of you embraced this story and these characters, especially in the aromantic community, and I want you all to know you will always be the heart of my stories; the people I write for.
Finally, to my patrons, whether you joined in April when I opened the Patreon, or recently: I am so very grateful for every dollar you choose to give, every comment and like and vote. I’m glad we share a tiny space. Thank you so much.
Et au risque de me répéter, je tiens à remercier ma famille pour son soutien, ma jumelle pour les extraordinaires couvertures, mon copain pour le soutien à la maison et toute ma petite communauté d’écriture de Québec (vous savez qui vous êtes—vous faites NaNo avec moi à chaque année!).
Merci à tous, et on se revoit au tome 3!
Isandor is an ever expanding world, and several extra short stories can be found on Claudie’s patreon for as little as $1!
At The Kraken Collective, we know how frustrating it can be to reach the end of a book and want more. Within the following pages, you’ll find books with a similar feel to help you scratch that reading itch and why we’re recommending them.
We hope our suggestions will help you find your next favourite read!
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Resistance, by B. R. Sanders
The City of Spires trilogy isn’t the only Kraken story centering a bisexual elf unafraid to voice strong political opinions and desperate to free their city. In Resistance, by B. R. Sanders, Shandolin strives to liberate the City of Mages from the Qin presence oppressing elves daily. But in order to do so, she must rally friends, lovers, and all elves of the city to her cause. Resistance is a fast-paced tale of trust through rocky relationships and political genius, all set in the intricate and fascinating world of Aerdh.
Get your copy now!
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A Promise Broken, by Lynn E. O’Connacht
If you’re looking for more political back and forth as well as aromantic and asexual representation, but underpinned by deeply personal stories, check out A Promise Broken, by Lynn E. O’Connacht. When four-year-old Eiryn seemingly summons rain at her mother’s funeral, the city council fears she’s upset the balance of the world.As her new guardian, her uncle Arèn must learn the ropes of parenting while trying to protect her from harm. Yet all Eiryn wants is to make everyone happy even as grief and fear tear at them. A Promise Broken is a beautiful tale of kindness and grief that will slip into your heart quietly and stay with you.
Get your copy now!