Faith Hunter - Seraphs (Thorn St. Croix, Book 2)

Table of Contents

Praise for the Rogue Mage Novels

Seraphs

The world [Hunter] has created is unique and bleak.... [An] exciting science fiction thriller.

Midwest Book Review

Continuing the story begun in Bloodring , Hunter expands on her darkly alluring vision of a future in which the armies of good and evil wage their eternal struggle in the world of flesh and blood. Strong characters and a compelling story. Library Journal

This thrilling dark fantasy has elements of danger, adventure, and religious fanaticism, plus sexual overtones. Hunters impressive narrative skills vividly describe a changed world, and she artfully weaves in social commentary.... A well-written, exciting novel. Romantic Times

Bloodring

A bold interpretation of the what-might-be....With a delicate weaving of magic and scripture, Faith Hunter left me wondering: Whats a woman to do when she falls in love with a seraphs child?Kim Harrison

Entertaining.... Outstanding supporting characters.... The strong cliff-hanger of an ending bodes well for future adventures. Publishers Weekly

The cast is incredible.... Fans of postapocalypse fantasies will appreciate this superb interpretation of the endless end of days. Midwest Book Review

Hunters distinctive future vision offers a fresh though dark glimpse into a newly made postapocalyptic world. Bold and imaginative in approach, with appealing characters and a suspense-filled story, this belongs in most fantasy collections. Library Journal

Its a pleasure to read this engaging tale about characters connected by strong bonds of friendship and family. Mixes romance, high fantasy, apocalyptic, and postapocalyptic adventure to good effect. Kirkus Reviews

Hunters very professionally executed, tasty blend of dark fantasy, mystery, and romance should please fans of all three genres. Booklist

Entertaining.... A promising new series.... Steady pacing, dashes of humor, and a strong story line coupled with a great ending neatly setting up the next adventure make this take on the apocalypse worth checking out.

Monsters and Critics

Enjoyable... a tale of magic and secrets in a world gone mad. Romantic Times

Host

Hunters world continues to expand in this highly original fantasy with lively characters, where nothing can ever be taken for granted. Publishers Weekly

Hunter has created a remarkable interpretation of the aftermath of Armageddon, in which angels and devils once again walk the earth, and humans struggle to find a place. Stylish storytelling and gripping drama make this a good addition to most fantasy collections. Library Journal

Readers will admire [Thorns] sacrifice placing others before herself.... Fans will enjoy reading about the continuing end of days. Midwest Book Review

With fast-paced action and the possibility of more romance, this is an enjoyable read with an alluring magical touch.Darque Reviews

The Rogue Mage Novels by Faith Hunter

BLOODRING
SERAPHS
HOST

ROC
Published by New American Library, a division of
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Published by Roc, an imprint of New American Library, a division of Penguin
Group (USA) Inc. Previously published in a Roc trade paperback edition.

First Roc Mass Market Printing, December 2008

Copyright Faith Hunter, 2007

eISBN : 978-1-429-57222-4

All rights reserved

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To my Renaissance Man

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to:

My Renaissance Man, for encouragement and for writing the songs.

Kim, for support, for friendship, and for tea breaks.

Tamar, for being there when Im not strong.

Kipper, for the stones.

Ben, for the martial arts stuff.

Matthew, for keeping my Enclave bearable.

My agent, Lucienne Diver, for believing in me and for loving the world of the Enclave.

Finally and profoundly, my editor, Liz Scheier, for making me thinkand writedarker, faster, and leaner. And for putting up with me. This has been the most FUN!

Chapter 1

Claws gripped my throat, shutting off my air, and Raziel laughed against my mouth. It was a triumphant rumble, feral and heated, but the amusement had an unfamiliar edge, and fear gripped me. Yesss, he whispered, mind to mind, where are the wheels? The claws relaxed and I inhaled a scent, cloying and intoxicating, like lilacs and jasmine growing up from an open grave. Your heart beats with the fragrance of Amethyst and her wheels. Where are they?

I tried to open my eyes. This isnt Raziel, I thought, instinctively hiding the knowledge deep in my mind where the whisperer couldnt find it. And, Im trapped. I struggled to make a fist, to grip the sword hilt, the metal cold in my unresponsive palm. In the distance, a predator cat called a warning, a portent. A lynx.

Distantly, an alarm sounded, muffled, flat tones. The door of my loft crashed open, followed by a bellow of rage. I opened my eyes. A Darkness recoiled, wrenched away, over my bed and was gone.

In a single movement, honed from weeks of sword practice, I gripped the handle of my walking stick and pulled the sword from its sheath, rolled from the bed, and attacked. Blade and sheath whirled in a frenzy, upward, together, and back out in the sleeping cata move that could disembowel an enemy. The sword and sheath, one in either hand, whispered along Audrics belly. His blades shush ed over my head as I pivoted. Coming fully awake, I dashed the tears from my eyes and glimpsed the bed, covers tossed to the floor, barely visible in the predawn light. The loft was icy, the frigid cold chilling my skin. I breathed the floral reek, and the sickly sweet scent of decay. An incubus. An incubus had been in my bed.