The Winter City (Runes of Zephael, #1) by Mary Grace Steiger (2025)
Dive into a sweeping epic of magic, power, and ancient runes in The Winter City, the first installment of Mary Grace Steiger's Runes of Zephael series. A high fantasy novel brimming with complex characters and richly detailed settings, this hardcover edition promises to transport readers to a world where sorcery reigns and the fate of kingdoms hangs in the balance.
General Information:
Genre: Fantasy
Sub-genre: High Fantasy
Release Date: October 7, 2025
Print: Hardcover
Pages: 420
Publisher: Griffin Burke Books
Synopsis:
The Winter City introduces us to Zephael Andrigne, a protagonist unlike any other. As the queen of sorcery and dwarfism, Zephael carries the weight of her people and the burden of a power that could save or destroy them all. When shadows gather and ancient forces awaken, Zephael must navigate treacherous alliances and confront formidable foes to protect her kingdom.
Key Characters:
Zephael Andrigne: The main protagonist. A queen of immense magical power and a unique heritage, ruling with both wisdom and strength. She possesses a mastery of sorcery and faces challenges related to her dwarfism, adding depth and complexity to her character.
Titus Kelarod: A powerful king known for his prowess in both battle and sorcery. His allegiance and motives remain a mystery, leaving readers to question whether he will be a valuable ally or a dangerous adversary.
Elabris: A queen of sorcery and magic, whose motives and relations with the other royalties, like Zephael, could be of importance.
Alastyne: A mysterious King of magic and passage, whose abilities seem crucial to the plot.
Kaedan: The King of both sorcery and battle, whose loyalty could be the most important of all.
Alerides: The Queen of heir and battle, may be a good heir to her throne, but her battle skills may be her most important tool.
Helgarus: A King of magic and bravery, always seeking a good adventure.
Tritael: The Queen of cursory and darkness, always watching and never leaving, as evil as she seems.
Enthralling Settings:
The story unfolds across a tapestry of breathtaking locations inspired by real-world European architecture:
Andromeda: A formidable Finnish castle, serving as a potential stronghold or a place of secrets.
Ariadglade: A majestic Swedish cathedral, perhaps a center of faith, a repository of ancient knowledge, or a battleground for divine forces.
Gryhlake: A imposing German castle, guarding the city and its people.
Fjaale: This magnificent Italian cathedral, can be the home of many evils and hauntings.
Psathene: A towering English tower, filled with secrets and dangerous people.
The Winter City promises to be a captivating read for fans of high fantasy, filled with intricate world-building, compelling characters, and a thrilling plot that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Runes of Zephael saga.
