Melissa Caruso writes books of murder, magic, and mayhem. Her published fantasy novels include the Swords & Fire trilogy (THE TETHERED MAGE, THE DEFIANT HEIR, THE UNBOUND EMPIRE) and the Rooks & Ruin trilogy (THE OBSIDIAN TOWER, THE QUICKSILVER COURT, THE IVORY TOMB), all from Orbit Books. Her newest book, THE LAST HOUR BETWEEN WORLDS, arrives in November 2024 and launches a new series. Her debut novel was shortlisted for the Gemmell Morningstar Award in 2017, and her books have received starred reviews and made countless Best Of lists. Melissa is a tea drinker, larper, and mom, and lives in Massachusetts with her video game designer husband, two superlative daughters, and assorted pets.
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Melissa Caruso
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New & Upcoming Releases
Series
Swords and Fire
A Fantasy series
(2017 - 2019)
This series is for you if you're into...
- State-controlled magic colliding with ruthless court politics
- Uneasy magical pairings under pressure from empire rules
- Deadly diplomacy in conclaves, masquerades, and spy games
Rooks and Ruin
A Fantasy series
(2020 - 2022)
This series is for you if you're into...
- Forbidden towers hiding world-ending secrets
- Court intrigue under magical siege
- Heroines facing impossible loyalty choices
The Echo Archives
A Fantasy series
(2024 - 2026)
This series is for you if you're into...
- Reality-warping fantasy mysteries with escalating danger
- Sapphic tension under pressure
- Glamorous magical games and party chaos
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Melissa Caruso
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