Spellslinger

''An intoxicating mix of weird magic and high adventure... gripping from the get-go, Spellslinger is a must-read.'' Jonathan Stroud, bestselling author of Lockwood & Co. MAGIC IS A CON GAME... Kellen is moments away from facing his first mage''s duel and the start of four trials that will make him a spellcaster. There''s just one problem: his magic is gone. As his sixteenth birthday approaches, Kellen falls back on his cunning in a bid to avoid total disgrace. But when a daring stranger arrives in town, she challenges Kellen to take a different path. Ferius Parfax is one of the mysterious Argosi - a traveller who lives by her wits and the three decks of cards she carries. She''s difficult and unpredictable, but she may be Kellen''s only hope... The first in a rich and compelling fantasy series bursting with tricks, traps and a devious talking squirrel cat. Perfect for fans of THE DARK TOWER, FIREFLY, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, TERRY PRATCHETT, BEN AARONOVITCH and JIM BUTCHER.