Anne Bishop’s national bestselling and critically acclaimed Black Jewels series has enthralled readers with its lavish blend of “the darkly macabre with spine-tingling emotional intensity, mesmerizing magic, lush sensuality, and exciting action.”(SF Site). Now, readers can return to the violently passionate world ruled by the Blood, a race of witches and warlocks whose power is channeled through magical jewels...

The invitation was signed Jaenelle Angelline, she who had been both Witch and Queen.

It summons her family to an entertainment she has specially prepared. Surreal SaDiablo, the former courtesan and assassin, is the first to arrive. But as she and her escort enter the house, the door disappears. Surreal finds herself trapped in a nightmare created by the tangled webs of Black Widow witches... a nightmare where the monsters are all too real, and if she uses Craft to defend herself, she risks being sealed in the house forever.

But Jaenelle did not send the invitation.

Now, Jaenelle and her family must rescue Surreal and the others inside without becoming trapped themselves — and they also must discover who created such an evil place, and why. Because there is one thing they all know about this house: no matter who planned it as a way to kill members of the SaDiablo family, only one of the Blood could have created the trap…

Published
March 1, 2008
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The Black Jewels

The series

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In a world where power is determined by the depth of one’s soul, Anne Bishop’s The Black Jewels series immerses readers in a realm of darkness, magic, and intrigue. At its heart is Jaenelle Angelline, a young girl who is destined to wield unimaginable power as the Queen of the Blood. As her journey unfolds, she becomes the focal point of a treacherous battle between sworn enemies—three men bound by power, revenge, and complex loyalties, all vying to control her fate.

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What makes The Black Jewels truly unique is its exploration of the cost of power, not just to the individuals who wield it, but to the very fabric of society itself. Magic is both a blessing and a curse, shaping the lives of every character in profound and often dangerous ways. Bishop’s world-building is intricate, with each new layer revealing a society built on complex hierarchies and ancient traditions that both uplift and oppress. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption echo throughout the series, as characters grapple with their own identities and the consequences of their choices.

The atmosphere of the Black Jewels series is heavy with tension—each story arc delves deeper into the emotional and political turmoil that drives the characters. Whether it's the manipulation of power, the forging of unlikely alliances, or the heartbreaking sacrifices required to protect what’s most precious, the narrative feels like a labyrinth where each decision leads to darker and more unexpected turns.

Throughout the series, the line between good and evil blurs, as Jaenelle and the people she encounters must come to terms with what it means to survive in a world where even the strongest are vulnerable. From the political intrigue of Heir to the Shadows to the emotional depth of Queen of the Darkness, every book builds upon the last, creating a rich tapestry that will captivate those who crave complex characters and morally ambiguous choices.

The Black Jewels is a haunting exploration of power, love, and sacrifice—an unforgettable journey for readers who are ready to enter a world where the stakes are life and death, and the price of magic is steeper than they ever imagined.

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