The Unbound Empire: Swords and Fire

Melissa Caruso was born on the summer solstice and went to school in an old mansion with a secret door, but despite this auspicious beginning has yet to develop any known superpowers. She has spent her whole life creating imaginary worlds, and in addition to writing is also an avid larper and tabletop gamer.

Melissa graduated with honours in creative writing from Brown University and has an MFA in fiction from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her first novel, The Tethered Mage, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Morningstar award for best fantasy debut.

Melissa lives in Massachusetts with her video game designer husband, two magical daughters and assorted pets. You can find her on Twitter, where she posts about writing, tea and sword-fighting in ballgowns.

"Takes the series to the next level in every way.... I absolutely lovedThe Defiant Heir. It's extraordinarily fun with wonderful characters and intriguing mysteries.... I can hardly contain my excitement for the third installment."—Fantasy Book Cafe on The Defiant Heir
"An entirely new level of awesome.... Absolutely addictive."—Powder & Page on The Defiant Heir
"An inspiration for geeks everywhere.... Satisfyingly action-packed and bittersweet."—Kirkus on The Defiant Heir
"I love this book and series. It is a refreshing and lively fantasy that has characters that I just can't get enough of.... Highly recommend!"—The Speculative Herald on The Defiant Heir
"A joy to read.... Melissa Caruso is well on her way to making a very big splash in the fantasy genre, and I can't wait for the third book to get here."—Bibliosanctum on The Defiant Heir
"Everything I hoped for and much more.... Beautifully crafted.... Pick up this fantastic series now."—Girls in Capes on The Defiant Heir
"A fast moving and frequently fun story that gives readers a lot to chew on."—RT Book Reviews on The Defiant Heir (4 stars)
"The Tethered Mageis the best kind of fantasy: intricate world-building, the most intriguing of court intrigues, and a twisty plot. But while readers might pick it up for those elements, they'll stay for the engaging characters and the unlikely friendships at the story's heart."—Rosalyn Eves, author of Blood Rose Rebellion on The Tethered Mage
"The Tethered Mageis a riveting read, with delicious intrigue, captivating characters, and a brilliant magic system. I loved it from start to finish!"—Sarah Beth Durst, author of The Queen of Blood, on The Tethered Mage
—Genevieve Cogman, author of The Invisible Library, on The Tethered Mage
"Intricate and enticing as silk brocade. Caruso's heroine is a strong, intelligent young woman in a beguiling, beautifully evoked Renaissance world of high politics, courtly intrigue, love and loyalty - and fire warlocks."—Anna Smith Spark, author of The Court of Broken Knives, on The Tethered Mage
"Engaging and entertaining with intrigue, a good pace, and strong characters. Zaira and Amalia are bright, bold heroes in a smartly constructed world."—James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost, on The Tethered Mage
"One of the best first novels in a brand new high fantasy series that I've read in ages.... If you're hungry for a new fantasy series with awesome, nuanced characters, powerful worldbuilding, and solid writing - look no further.The Tethered Mageis the book you need right now. Absolutely recommended."—Book Smugglers on The Tethered Mage
—BookPage on The Tethered Mage
"An enchanting voice and an original world you won't want to leave."—RJ Barker, author of Age of Assassins, on The Tethered Mage
"A rich world, political intrigue, and action that keeps you turning pages--The Tethered Mageis classic fantasy with a fresh voice."—Jeff Wheeler, author of The Queen's Poisoner, on The Tethered Mage
"It's a pleasure to journey with shy and slightly awkward Amalia as she puts her scholarship in magic and puzzle-solving skills to good use.... Charming."—Kirkus on The Tethered Mage
"Caruso skillfully maintains her plot."—Publishers Weekly on The Tethered Mage
"The plotting is good, the characters interesting.... Something really special."—RT Book Reviews on The Tethered Mage
"A gorgeous, fresh fantasy debut filled with political intrigue and ethical quandary.... Highly recommend."—Girls in Capes on The Tethered Mage