Sam Sykes

Acclaimed author Sam Sykes returns with a brilliant new epic fantasy that introduces an unforgettable outcast magician caught between two warring empires. Her magic was stolen. She was left for dead. Betrayed by those she trusts most and her magic ripped from her, all Sal the Cacophony has left is her name, her story, and the weapon she used to carve both. But she has a will stronger than magic, and knows exactly where to go. The Scar, a land torn between powerful empires, where rogue mages go to disappear, disgraced soldiers go to die and Sal went with a blade, a gun, and a list of seven names. Revenge will be its own reward. For more from Sam Sykes, check out: The Affinity for Steel TrilogyTome of the UndergatesBlack HaloThe Skybound Sea Bring Down HeavenThe City Stained RedThe Mortal TallyGod's Last Breath

Seven Blades in Black

Sophia 

 "Well, if I was a little dumber, I would be one, so hold the fuck still.”

"They're not going to kill us. The Ashmouths don't operate like that." 

"What? They have some thieves' code of honor?" Cavric scoffed. 

“Thieves only have honor in opera, darling." The deck slammed shut with an iron groan, and in the silence, the mist enclosed us. "In real life, they have standards."

But every boy, at one point, is fascinated by cruelty: how an ant twitches when you pull off its legs, how many stones it takes to kill a bird with an injured wing.

 It brings them joy. It makes them feel strong. It makes them want to feel it again. And again and again. I wasn't going to give him that. 

But I knew plenty of boys who pretended to be men. I knew how to hurt them, too. 

WOW. [note, edited text in between to take out main quote. Dialogue is missing] 

There’s three things a man loses when you hurt him. 

The first is language. He drops whatever fancy words he knows, starts saying what’s really on his mind. 

The second is poise. He stood standing up straight, he stops looking like he’s in control, and he starts looking upset. 

And the third thing he loses is sense. And then you’ve got him. 

Seven Blades in Black quotes

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