Empire of Exiles

From a new star in epic fantasy comes an irresistibly compelling novel where an unlikely team must band together to unearth a conspiracy that might devastate their empire in this captivating blend of page-turning locked room mystery and lyrical fantasy that readers will find "ensnaring." (Cat Rambo). "Detailed and mysterious, a place to explore and relish. Empire of Exiles is highly recommended!" - R.
A. Salvatore "In these pages, you are in the hands of a master." - Ed Greenwood "Characters I love, plot twists that keep coming, and a unique and fascinating world!" - Melissa Caruso "Beautifully wrought and equally ensnaring." - Cat Rambo Twenty-three years ago, a Duke with a grudge led a ruthless coup against the empire of Semilla, killing thousands. He failed. The Duke was executed, a terrifyingly powerful sorcerer was imprisoned, and an unwilling princess disappeared.  The empire moved on.  Now, when Quill, an apprentice scribe, arrives in the capital city, he believes he's on a simple errand for another pompous noble: fetch ancient artifacts from the magical Imperial Archives.
He's always found his apprenticeship to a lawman to be dull work. But these aren't just any artifacts - these are the instruments of revolution, the banners under which the Duke lead his coup.  Just as the artifacts are unearthed, the city is shaken by a brutal murder that seems to have been caused by a weapon not seen since the days of rebellion. With Quill being the main witness to the murder, and no one in power believing his story, he must join the Archivists - a young mage, a seasoned archivist, and a disillusioned detective - to solve the truth of the attack.
And what they uncover will be the key to saving the empire - or destroying it again.