Coming February 3
Tales of Ciel Book 2: Ophiuchus Flinched
The Zephyr Archipelago enters unsettled skies
With hope dwindling by the hour, Kai sets out for Avernus to track down a missing Aeolian zeppelin and its civilian passengers on his first mission as a fully fledged dragoon. Left behind due to injury, Draft Lieutenant Vanna Strait begins a personal investigation into Serpenttongue Bael, the Toranese saboteur resurfaced from his banishment.
Meanwhile, the Celestial Kelestina and her Patrician court have turned their focus elsewhere. After violating a sacred ceremony and an ancient taboo, Effie Strait has proven herself possessed of a rare Gift. Kelestina whisks her away to Aquilon Island, where Effie awaits whatever fate her impetuous actions have sealed for her.
Behind the Cover
Vanna shut the closet and fell back on her sister’s well-kept bed. As she sank into the pillows, she smelled floral remnants of the lilac crush Effie used to fragrance her hair. How long would it linger? Days, perhaps—but not weeks. Her sister’s ghost still haunted this space, but it was a thin presence, all too easily exorcized by no ritual more ardent than the passage of time.
Praise for the Tales of Ciel
Magnificent
“This genre-blurring read synthesizes a spectrum of timeless themes and adventurous motifs, from young love between heroes and cultural disillusionment to mystical beast lore and conspiratorial payback.”
★★★★★
SPR
Highly Recommended
“I frequently paused in awe of the author’s vivid descriptions…Z. Bennett Lorimer has a gift for not only imagining spectacular, staggering drama, but writing these moments with searing emotion.”
★★★★★
Independent Book Review
Fascinating
“A bevy of curious elements crop up, including the Long Drop…
Leviathan…and glimpses at the harrowing pirate life”
Kirkus Reviews
Impressive
“This second installment fully establishes this series as an impressively innovative and entertaining work of fantasy.”
★★★★★
SPR
Reader Reviews
Heart-pounding
“Book two of this rollercoaster adventure series picks up where book one finished, with a white knuckle ride.”
★★★★★
Goodreads Review
Fantastic
“This book was fantastically written and I cannot wait to read what happens next!!”
★★★★★
Goodreads Review
Dramatic
“I really enjoyed the first book in this trilogy, and I think the second one is even better!”
★★★★★
Goodreads Review
Great Sequel
“I found myself on the edge of my seat as I watched the two sisters set on diverging paths that, despite (and sometimes because of) their best intentions, will inevitably lead them to a dramatic confrontation. I look forward to finding out how the third book wraps it all up!”
★★★★★
Goodreads Review
White-knuckle
“Lorimer is one of my favorite new authors and I would give this book more stars if it was offered.”
★★★★★
Goodreads Review