Poisoned Blade
In this thrilling sequel to World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott's
captivating young adult debut, a girl immersed in high-stakes
competition holds the fate of a kingdom in her hands.
Now a
Challenger, Jessamy is moving up the ranks of the Fives - the complex
athletic contest favored by the lowliest Commoners and the loftiest
Patrons alike. Pitted against far more formidable adversaries, success
is Jes's only option, as her prize money is essential to keeping her
hidden family alive. She leaps at the chance to tour the countryside and face more competitors, but then a fatal attack on her traveling party
puts Jes at the center of the war that Lord Kalliarkos - the prince she
still loves - is fighting against their country's enemies. With a
sinister overlord watching her every move and Kal's life on the line,
Jes must now become more than a Fives champion... She must become a
warrior.
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Kate Elliott
Few fantasy authors conjure worlds as vast, as lived-in, or as emotionally resonant as Kate Elliott. Her stories don't just transport readers—they immerse them, body and soul, into realms shaped by history, culture, and the complexities of power. With a career spanning decades and genres, Elliott has carved a unique space in speculative fiction by weaving epic narratives that are as intellectually rich as they are emotionally gripping.
What sets her apart is not only her sweeping world-building, but the way she grounds it in human experience. Whether she’s charting dynastic struggles in the Crown of Stars series, redefining epic fantasy with the Spiritwalker Trilogy, or exploring the intersections of gender, colonialism, and resistance in Unconquerable Sun, Elliott brings a rare depth to every page. Her characters—especially her fiercely determined women—push against the boundaries of their worlds with strength, vulnerability, and defiance.
Court of Fives
Court of Fives consists of three primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
