The Gardener's Hand

Alizhan can’t see faces, but she can read minds. Her mysterious ability leaves her unable to touch or be touched without excruciating pain. Rescued from abandonment and raised by the wealthy and beautiful Iriyat ha-Varensi, Alizhan has grown up in isolation, using her gift to steal secrets from Iriyat’s rivals, the ruling class of Laalvur. But Iriyat keeps secrets of her own. When Alizhan discovers she isn’t the only one of her kind and that a deadly plot threatens everyone like her, there’s only one person she can trust.

Alizhan spent her life in service to Iriyat ha-Varensi as a mind-reading thief of secrets - until she uncovered Iriyat’s crimes. Possessed of both political and magical influence, Iriyat is almost untouchable. Alizhan has stolen a book that might prove Iriyat’s guilt, if only someone could read its encoded text. Alizhan and her companion, Ev, leave the constant sun of their homeland to sail for the Nightward coast. They pin their hopes on His Highness Prince Ilyr of Nalitzva, a man rumored to understand any language, even one he’s never encountered.

Separated from her companions and abducted, Alizhan is delivered back to Laalvur, right into Iriyat’s clutches. Iriyat has tightened her hold on the city in Alizhan’s absence, magically manipulating the other Council members and further charming the public. No one believes she is capable of plotting an experiment that could destroy cities. All alone, what hope does Alizhan have to convince Laalvur of the truth?