She began her career in publishing as a fiction editor in New York City, but left to write her first novel Swordspoint, which has become a cult classic, hailed as the progenitor of the “mannerpunk” (or “Fantasy of Manners”) school of urban fantasy. Only Basil is not convinced-nor is he convinced that the city has seen its last king.Įllen Kushner weaves together multiple careers as a writer, radio host, teacher, performer and public speaker.Ī graduate of Barnard College, she also attended Bryn Mawr College, and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Of course, everyone now knows that the wizards were charlatans and the kings their dupes and puppets. Cloud, a brilliant and charismatic teacher ruled by a passion for knowledge-and a passion for the ancient kings. Tormented by his twin duties to his family and his own bright spirit, he seeks solace in the University. Theron Campion, a young nobleman of royal lineage, is heir to an ancient house and a modern scandal. But the blood of the kings runs deep in the land and its people, waiting for the coming together of two unusual men. Generations ago the last king fell, taking with him the final truths about a race of wizards who ruled at his side. Against a rich tapestry of artists and aristocrats, students, strumpets, and spies, a gentleman and a scholar will find themselves playing out an ancient drama destined to explode their society's smug view of itself-and reveal that sometimes the best price of uncovering history is being forced to repeat it.

This stunning follow-up to Ellen Kushner's cult-classic novel, 'Swordspoint,' is set in the same world of labyrinthine intrigue, where sharp swords and even sharper wits rule.

Swordspoint novel