The Language of Power

A STEERSWOMAN ASKS, AND IS ALWAYS ANSWEREDThe steerswoman Rowan has learned much about the master-wizard Slado: that his spells are devastating the distant lands known as the Outskirts, and that they will ultimately threaten even the Inner Lands. But she still knows little beyond that - not the purpose of his actions, nor why he is keeping them secret from the other wizards.He must be found, and stopped.Now, following the slimmest of clues, Rowan arrives in the city of Donner hoping to learn more about Slado’s plans. But when the answers begin coming in faster than the questions can be asked, a strange tale from the past emerges, a tale behind all the secrets of the present…Fortunate that Rowan has the Outskirter warrior Bel on hand to watch her back. Because there’s one sure way to know that the steerswoman is on the right track: Someone will try to kill her. [Kirstein] walks the tightrope between fantasy and science fiction with precision and grace… [her] compassion for even minor characters is evident on every page, and her prose is measured and alluring without being overworked. - Damien Broderick & Paul Di Filippo, in Science Fiction: The 101 Best Novels 1985-2010 Kirstein’s striking portrait of an innovative woman who is scientist, judge, historian, and adventurer makes for a good, thought-provoking read. - Publisher’s Weekly These books really are terrific fun to read… there are bits of The Language of Power where things dovetail together so beautifully that I want to cheer… If you haven’t read Kirstein’s Steerswoman books I envy you the chance to read them now for the first time. - Jo Walton, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner, author of Among Others and Starlings.