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  • Our Lady of Blades

Our Lady of Blades

Court of Shadows #2 / 3
by Sebastien de Castell
Our Lady of Blades (Court of Shadows #2) by Sebastien de Castell
⧗ 8.00 / 1
123456718910

Blood Week may have been banned in Rijou, but the streets still run red - and now murder is being sanctioned by the courts. Only a reckless fool would believe they can beat the system. But then, the Greatcoats have always been more than a little reckless . . .

Rijou's notorious Court of Blades is as corrupt as it is cutthroat, destroying lives with impunity. Now the city's all-powerful Ascendant Houses have started buying and selling verdicts to enslave and even execute those who oppose them.

Into this depraved world of licensed death comes a mysterious duellist who dares to foil the intrigues of the city's elite. They call her Lady Consequence, but years ago she had a different name, until her family was slaughtered and she was consigned to the hellish prison known as the House of Tears.

Lady Consequence means to rescue her idealistic younger brother, restore their House and wreak vengeance upon those who betrayed them. But a far more dangerous game is unfolding in the shadows, one which threatens the freedom of the entire nation.

Also known as Play of Shadows Book 2.
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Fantasy
Release date: May 14, 2026

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Sebastien de Castell

Sebastien de Castell

Sebastien de Castell's writing is a masterful blend of adventure, wit, and heart—a true escape into worlds where the stakes are high, the characters unforgettable, and the battles both physical and emotional. Known for his Greatcoats series, de Castell has carved a unique place for himself in the fantasy genre, captivating readers with a style that balances epic storytelling with the sharp humor of its protagonists.

Born in Canada and raised in a world full of books and stories, de Castell’s love of storytelling blossomed early. But it wasn't until later in life, after stints in various jobs, that he found his true calling as an author. His writing is heavily influenced by the rich tradition of classic fantasy, yet with a modern twist—his novels pulse with energy, humor, and characters that feel as though they could step right out of the pages into the real world.

Read more ...

The Greatcoats series, which begins with Traitor’s Blade, is where de Castell’s voice truly shines. Set in a land where honor is a weapon and betrayal lurks at every corner, the series follows the journey of Falcio val Mond, a former Greatcoat who is tasked with protecting a kingdom in ruins. Witty, dark, and full of gripping swordplay, the series blends light-hearted banter with deep moral questions, exploring themes of loyalty, justice, and redemption. Through the lens of high adventure, de Castell invites readers to explore the complexities of leadership, the cost of loyalty, and the power of friendship.

De Castell's storytelling isn’t confined to epic battles or fantastical realms. He has an innate ability to build compelling characters who feel real and relatable, despite their extraordinary circumstances. His writing is as much about the journey within as it is about the physical quest. His characters aren't just battling enemies; they are confronting their own flaws and desires, growing in ways that resonate deeply with readers.

His work, which has garnered a passionate fanbase, has been praised for its deft handling of both heart-pounding action and moments of introspection. De Castell’s humor, quick wit, and sharp dialogue make his stories not only thrilling but also laugh-out-loud funny at times. But there’s a depth beneath that humor, a layer of emotion that makes his characters’ victories all the more earned and their losses all the more poignant.

From the Spellslinger series to The Greatcoats, Sebastien de Castell's novels stand out for their remarkable combination of high stakes, rich world-building, and memorable characters. He has a talent for crafting stories that blend the old with the new, offering readers a sense of nostalgia for classic fantasy while also pushing the genre into exciting new territories.

Through his works, de Castell proves that fantasy isn’t just about escaping into other worlds—it's about finding truths in the ones we live in. Fans of dynamic, character-driven fantasy will find much to love in his books, and those just beginning their journey into his imaginative realms will quickly discover that de Castell’s world is one worth visiting again and again.

Court of Shadows

In the Court of Shadows, Sebastien de Castell invites readers into a world where illusion and reality blur, and a city’s deepest secrets are tangled in a web of betrayal, conspiracy, and deceit. At the heart of this spellbinding series is Damelas Chademantaigne, an actor whose seemingly insignificant actions set the stage for a chain of events that threatens to tear down everything he knows.

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The series begins with Play of Shadows, where Damelas, an unassuming member of a legendary bloodline, stumbles into a plot much larger than himself. Fleeing from a deadly duel with the infamous Vixen, he seeks refuge among a theatrical troupe whose very existence challenges the established rules of the city. But the peace of the stage cannot hide the truth for long, and Damelas's inadvertent unveiling of a buried secret plunges him into a perilous dance of power and manipulation.

Set against a rich backdrop of political intrigue and artistic spectacle, Court of Shadows doesn’t just explore the drama of the stage—it immerses readers in the gritty underbelly of a city teeming with danger. The world-building is layered and complex, where factions vie for control, secrets fester in the shadows, and betrayal is never far behind. Every character, from the boisterous and loyal Bereto to the coldly calculating assassins, brings a unique depth to the story, creating an atmosphere of suspense that lingers long after the pages turn.

With his signature wit and mastery of intricate plots, Sebastien de Castell delivers a story that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. The Court of Shadows is more than just a tale of action—it’s a reflection on identity, the power of storytelling, and the lengths people will go to protect their truths. It’s a world where alliances shift like sand, and nothing can be trusted, not even your own allies.

For readers who enjoy high-stakes drama, sharp dialogue, and complex moral dilemmas, Court of Shadows is an immersive journey that promises to keep you hooked from start to finish.


Court of Shadows consists of one book and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Play of Shadows (Court of Shadows #1)
⧗ 8.66 / 3
Our Lady of Blades (Court of Shadows #2)
⧗ 8.00 / 1
Court of Shadows Book 3 (Court of Shadows #3)
Unrated


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