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, BEN AARONOVITCH and JIM BUTCHER.