Ship of Smoke and Steel: The Wells of Sorcery Trilogy #1

Isoka, a ward boss in the slums, is used to violence. She’ll gladly confront and create it to keep her younger sister safe. But when her hidden magical talent is discovered, that dedication is held over her head: to save her sister, she must become a sacrifice to a ghost ship of legend and claim it for the emperor. With a compelling cast of characters and world building reminiscent of Brandon Sanderson, I can’t wait to see where this series goes next. Recommended By Madeline S., Powells.com

"Fit for the big screen." — Morgan Rhodes, NYT bestselling author of Falling Kingdoms

Ship of Smoke and Steel is the launch of a cinematic, action-packed epic fantasy trilogy for fans of Leigh Bardugo and The Legend of Korra.

In the lower wards of Kahnzoka, the great port city of the Blessed Empire, eighteen-year-old ward boss Isoka comes to collect when there's money owing. When her ability to access the Well of Combat is discovered by the Empire — an ability she should have declared and placed at His Imperial Majesty's service — she's sent on an impossible mission: steal Soliton, a legendary ghost ship — a ship from which no one has ever returned. If she fails, her sister's life is forfeit.

"Truly epic, fierce, and exhilarating, Ship of Smoke and Steel will capture you and lock you away. With magical combat sequences fit for the big screen, the action is almost as breathtaking as the intrigue." — Morgan Rhodes, New York Times bestselling author of the Falling Kingdoms series

"Wexler, most recently known for his adult fantasy series The Shadow Campaigns and children’s adventures The Forbidden Library series, has another engrossing winner on his hands. The title, cover, and content, which is often violent and sometimes racy, will evoke comparisons to Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series." Booklist

“The first in a thrilling, action-packed fantasy series that epitomizes the fight for survival….Wexler's young adult debut is a gripping, fast-paced fantasy enrapturing readers until the end….This ever changing world of magic is beautifully constructed with tantalizing details that evoke a variety of cultural influences. The characters are well-developed, and diversity — in ethnicity, ability, and sexuality — is abundant. From gory fights to unexpected romance, this has something for every fantasy lover. An alluring fierceness and charm will leave readers craving more.” Kirkus Reviews

DJANGO WEXLER graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with degrees in creative writing and computer science, worked in artificial intelligence research and as a programmer/writer for Microsoft, and is now a full-time fantasy writer. Django is the author of The Shadow Campaigns, an epic fantasy series for adults, and The Forbidden Library, a classic fantasy series for middle-grade readers.