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The Queen's Assassin

Blood and Fire #2 / 2 ✓
by James Barclay
The Queen's Assassin (Blood and Fire #2) by James Barclay
  ★ 10.00 / 1
1★2★3★4★5★6★7★8★9★110★

Naida is living a lie.

A peerless battlefield surgeon. A talisman for the army. A symbol of hope in an impossible, grinding war.

A fraud.

Society, led by the queen, has long held that the Esselrode people and their abilities are inherently, irredeemably evil, a truth which Naida has been brought up to believe. But as one of them, feeling compelled to use her powers again and again to heal those on the brink of death, it's hard to accept. It's even harder to live a lie, conflicted about her hidden identity, when the truth could save lives.

Taken from the battlefield where she thrives to a court where her life hangs ever more precariously in the balance, Naida is about to learn that there are even greater secrets, and conspiracies, afoot... and that her dangerous truth could change the course of a nation...

James Barclay is back with a brand-new standalone adventure which will tug on your heartstrings and keep you glued to your seat. James is truly a fantasy great, and this new novel will satisfy all fans of the genre.

Also known as Heart of Granite Book 2.
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Updated 04/10/2025
Category: Science Fiction, Military Science Fiction
Release date: June 9, 2022

James Barclay

James Barclay is a name that resonates with fans of epic fantasy, known for his bold, character-driven narratives and intricate world-building. With a knack for blending the gritty realities of battle with deeply personal emotional arcs, Barclay has captivated readers around the world, carving out a unique niche in the fantasy genre.

Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Barclay's early life was steeped in a love for storytelling, though his journey into writing was anything but conventional. He initially worked in the field of insurance, but his passion for fantasy literature was never far from his mind. His first breakthrough came with the publication of The Raven's Shadow series, which introduced readers to the extraordinary group of mercenaries known as the Raven. The series is widely praised for its realism in depicting the brutality of war, as well as its complex, flawed characters who must navigate a world that often seems stacked against them.

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Barclay's style is one that seamlessly combines military strategy with a profound exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the impact of violence on the human psyche. His ability to balance high-stakes adventure with introspective character studies makes his work stand out in a crowded genre. Themes of camaraderie, leadership, and moral ambiguity run deep through his stories, making them not only gripping but thought-provoking as well.

In addition to The Raven's Shadow series, Barclay has written several other works, including The Chronicles of the Raven and The Legends of the Raven series. Each of these showcases his talent for creating immersive worlds filled with richly developed characters, each struggling with their own demons while facing the larger forces of destiny and fate.

A self-proclaimed fan of storytelling with a darker edge, Barclay continues to explore the shadows of fantasy, pushing the boundaries of traditional epic tales. For him, fantasy isn’t just about escapism; it’s about confronting difficult questions and finding meaning in even the most chaotic of worlds.

Fans eagerly await every new release from Barclay, knowing that each one promises not only a fantastic adventure but also a deep dive into the very heart of what it means to be human in a world of magic and war.

Blood and Fire

Blood and Fire consists of two books — considered a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Heart of Granite (Blood and Fire #1)
not yet rated
The Queen's Assassin (Blood and Fire #2)
  ★ 10.00 / 1


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