Ghost Apparent - Dunato Jelena

Betrayed, deposed and presumed dead.

When her father is killed in a bloody coup and her uncle seizes the city, Orsiana pleads for help with the only power still willing to listen, unaware that the gods will use her as a pawn in their own game.

Thrown back on the streets of Abia, armed with the gods' double-edged gifts, Orsiana must thwart her uncle's plans and learn what it takes to rule a proud, stubborn city that thrives on artifice and wit. She will plot, fight and use lethally tuned verse to stir a rebellion. But just when her uncle's Machiavellian schemes start to topple, a new player will enter the game, and the gods will raise the stakes. It's easy to fight an enemy you hate, but how about an enemy you fall in love with? If she wants to win, Orsiana will have to risk the last precious thing in her possession: her heart.

A story of revenge and recovery, Ghost Apparent blends the history and folklore of the Eastern Adriatic with the bloody treachery of the Renaissance courts and is a perfect read for fans of dark political fantasy.

Praise for Ghost Apparent:

"Ghost Apparent is a wonderfully twisty tale of gods and politics, a story that will have you holding your breath along with Orsiana as she struggles to strike a blow for truth and honour against the timeless forces of corruption and greed. A gripping read."

- Kate Heartfield, bestselling author of The Embroidered Book

"A deeply engaging tale of machinations both political and divine." 

- Anthony Engebretson, author of Sair Back, Sair Banes and Lumberjack

"Dunato's writing sings from the page in this darkly fantastical tale of political intrigue, vengeance, and trickster gods. A great read both as a prequel to Dark Woods, Deep Water, and as a standalone for those new to Abia."

- Lyndsey Croal, author of Limelight and Other Stories