Amanda Downum’s debut novel, The Drowning City, came out last fall to stellar reviews. The blend of investigation, intrigue, and magic– all in a distinctly exotic fantasy setting really set it apart from the field and got people’s attention.

“THE DROWNING CITY is a compelling fantasy in a richly imagined setting dripping with visceral detail, building to a conclusion at once unexpected, appropriate and moving.” — Jacqueline Carey

“Like the worlds she imagines, the words of Amanda Downum are lyrical, persuasive, and evocative. If you read only one first novel this year, read this one. I promise it’s good.” — Elizabeth Bear

“Lush, evocative. Amanda Downum creates a richly realized, refreshingly Eastern world full of charms and spirits, espionage and intrigue and the wars of great powers fought by proxy.” — Brent Weeks

“Downum effectively combines action, magic, police procedure and political intrigue in this complex and striking debut.” — Publishers Weekly

Now, Amanda has outdone herself with the stunning sequel The Bone Palace. Isyllt Iskaldur returns home and must investigate a royal conspiracy.

Death is no stranger in the city of Erisín– but some deaths attract more attention than others.

When a prostitute dies carrying a royal signet, Isyllt Iskaldur, necromancer and agent of the Crown, is called to investigate. Her search leads to desecrated tombs below the palace, and the lightless vaults of the vampiric vrykoloi deep beneath the city. But worse things than vampires are plotting in Erisín…

As a sorcerous plague sweeps the city and demons stalk the streets, Isyllt must decide who she’s prepared to betray, before the city built on bones falls into blood and fire.

Praise for the new book has escalated to new heights. PW picked it as one of their best SFF books of the year and it has already been nominated for the RT Award for Fantasy in 2010.

“A little bit different, a little bit unusual, and a whole lot awesome.” — RT 4 1/2 star review

“Spectacular…[a] complex and bloody tale of sorcery, madness, and intrigue.” — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

Read an extract here. Available from your favorite retailer now! Go check it out!