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The Sorceress of Sky Serpents
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26From the bestselling author of the Trickster trilogy comes a bold fantasy inspired by the Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest, set on a dangerous planet where monsters haunt the survivors of an apocalyptic sorcerers' war.
As the daughter of the Guardian of the Eagle Clan and the granddaughter of its shaman, Yuala longs to become a warrior or a healer or, if all else fails, to make a strategic marriage to cement an alliance that will help protect her village of Winter Haven. But in a world where her mother can rain down fire on their enemies and other fighters can move objects with their minds, Yuala’s only gift is her ability to connect with creatures regarded as warlike Forest People, giant, flesh-eating octopuses, dog-sized cave worms and other abominations let in after warring sorcerers broke open the world.
Misfit Yuala's one recognized talent is for getting into trouble. But just as she is giving up on her dreams, her powerful grandfather decides that her strangeness means she is destined to become the next Clan shaman. With fear and hope in her heart, Yuala plunges into a grueling supernatural apprenticeship, thrilled to be on a useful path at last.
Meanwhile far to the south, a new chief of a rival nation has seized power and is on the hunt for the Sorceress of Sky Serpents, whose coming seers have foretold. As a battle brews on the shores of Winter Haven, something fiery builds in Yuala, too—but will she come into her power and save her clan before it’s too late?
As the daughter of the Guardian of the Eagle Clan and the granddaughter of its shaman, Yuala longs to become a warrior or a healer or, if all else fails, to make a strategic marriage to cement an alliance that will help protect her village of Winter Haven. But in a world where her mother can rain down fire on their enemies and other fighters can move objects with their minds, Yuala’s only gift is her ability to connect with creatures regarded as warlike Forest People, giant, flesh-eating octopuses, dog-sized cave worms and other abominations let in after warring sorcerers broke open the world.
Misfit Yuala's one recognized talent is for getting into trouble. But just as she is giving up on her dreams, her powerful grandfather decides that her strangeness means she is destined to become the next Clan shaman. With fear and hope in her heart, Yuala plunges into a grueling supernatural apprenticeship, thrilled to be on a useful path at last.
Meanwhile far to the south, a new chief of a rival nation has seized power and is on the hunt for the Sorceress of Sky Serpents, whose coming seers have foretold. As a battle brews on the shores of Winter Haven, something fiery builds in Yuala, too—but will she come into her power and save her clan before it’s too late?
312 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Eden Robinson
20 books1,280 followersEden Victoria Lena Robinson (born 19 January 1968) is a Canadian novelist and short story writer.
Born in Kitamaat, British Columbia, she is a member of the Haisla and Heiltsuk First Nations. She was educated at the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia.
Born in Kitamaat, British Columbia, she is a member of the Haisla and Heiltsuk First Nations. She was educated at the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 10, 2026
I barely know where to begin, but I can definitely say that no one else can write the way Eden Robinson can write. I received the ARC before I knew what the story was about, and after reading the synopsis, I thought it might be something I’d have to push myself through. I’m not a big fan of fantasy or speculative fiction, so I was a little wary. Obviously I shouldn’t have been, because apparently Eden Robinson can do no wrong.
There’s a lot going on in this book, lots of characters and clans to learn about, places and magics to remember. Yuala is a misfit coming into her own power, whatever that may be. Her world is dangerous and difficult, with clashes within clans, village hierarchies, and mystical and human attackers. Her own family doesn’t know quite what to make of her. Yuala, her mother, siblings and especially her grandfather are so well drawn, I was immediately immersed in the story, and hated when it ended- and it seemed to end abruptly.
Then I remembered that this is only the first book in what will be a trilogy, so we’re only at the beginning of this epic adventure. (As an aside, this would make an incredible movie, the visual imagery is incredible.)
Thank you very much to RandomHouse and NetGalley for the ARC! It’s been one of the best books of the year for me.
There’s a lot going on in this book, lots of characters and clans to learn about, places and magics to remember. Yuala is a misfit coming into her own power, whatever that may be. Her world is dangerous and difficult, with clashes within clans, village hierarchies, and mystical and human attackers. Her own family doesn’t know quite what to make of her. Yuala, her mother, siblings and especially her grandfather are so well drawn, I was immediately immersed in the story, and hated when it ended- and it seemed to end abruptly.
Then I remembered that this is only the first book in what will be a trilogy, so we’re only at the beginning of this epic adventure. (As an aside, this would make an incredible movie, the visual imagery is incredible.)
Thank you very much to RandomHouse and NetGalley for the ARC! It’s been one of the best books of the year for me.
Displaying 1 of 1 review