Verity Guild

This ambitious romantasy from Corland (the Broken Blades series) gets off to a slow start but develops into a tense locked-room murder mystery rife with political intrigue and secrets. Twenty years ago, the senators of Pryor murdered their tyrannical king and exterminated his magical Elusian bloodline, ending a century-long war and establishing a republic. Every year, these events are commemorated in the Revelry, a night of indulgence coinciding with the annual conclave, a weeklong gathering of the Republic’s leaders to debate and pass legislation. When one of the senators is murdered, Praetorian Torren Morvane’s investigation leads him to Kerasea Vestal, High Priestess of the Temple of Truth, though it quickly becomes clear that she is being framed. With the conclave under lockdown and more bodies piling up, Torren and Kerasea must overcome years of mutual distrust to determine who among them is a killer. Meanwhile, as the two grow closer and eventually give in to newfound desire, Kerasea hides her secret heritage as the last surviving Elusian. The ancient Rome–flavored worldbuilding gets somewhat muddled, but surly Torren and resourceful Kerasea have satisfying chemistry and, once the claustrophobic mystery picks up, it’s fun to watch them navigate this fraught situation. An abrupt cliffhanger ending leaves much to be developed in further installments. Corland fans will be eager for more. (May)