Sanctuary Duet

A struggling sorcerer is caught in a web of murder, mystery, and corruption in this epic fantasy series opener set in the world of Flesh and Spirit. Civil war robbed Lucian de Rememni-Masson of most of his family and his fortune. As a pureblood sorcerer, he has a remarkable gift for portraiture and currently supports his surviving sister through painting for the Registry. But a brief dalliance in his past has returned to haunt Lucian. It was only an hour of youthful folly, but in that time, Lucian spoke with an ordinary, a young woman not of his own kind, allowed her to see his face, and performed magic for her.  Now, the Registry has contracted Lucian out to a common coroner. Instead of painting living sorcerers, he must use his gift to help identify dead ordinaries hauled in from the streets. But having the power to capture the truth of dead men's souls brings forth troubling consequences for Lucian. Especially when the dead have secrets worth killing for . . . "A tale of magic and politics, of intrigue and betrayal. Set in a rich world, told through the eyes of a compelling and sympathetic hero, her story twists and turns, building to a conclusion that satisfies while hinting at more adventures to come. I eagerly await the next Sanctuary novel." -D. B. Jackson, author of the Thieftaker Chronicles "[A] captivating and satisfying fantasy epic, the first of a pair. . . . With an impressive command of language, sure-handed plotting, and perceptive characterizations, Berg traces the arc of Lucian's arduous quest to solve the murders of several illegitimate royals." -Publishers Weekly (starred review)  "A powerful, involving fantasy." -Locus  "With a plethora of fascinating characters and intense drama, Dust and Light is outstanding." -RT Book Reviews(Top Pick)

In this epic fantasy sequel to Dust and Light, a man without a past must restore his memory to save his kingdom. As a candidate for knighthood in the Order of the Equites Cineré, Greenshank had to give up his memory. It also means thinking of the past makes his head ache, but that hasn't stopped him from putting in two years of rigorous training. He is almost ready to embrace the order's mission-to use selfless magic to heal the fractured kingdom of Navronne. Still, trouble arises on his first solo assignment when he encounters a mysterious woman who brings his past rushing back . . .  Greenshank discovers he was once a sorcerer with a different name. One whose gifts threaten the safety of the kingdom and the world. Now to unravel the mysteries of his past and his powers, he must trace a path of corruption that leads into some unexpected-and dangerous-places . . .  "Berg has an artist's touch with fantasy worlds and scenes." -RT Book Reviews "With this masterful opening . . . the story grabs you by the hand, plunging you headfirst into a world of magic and war, where nothing is quite what it seems." -San Francisco Book Review "I particularly enjoyed the structure and logic of the story, but it is the character Greenshanks that kept me reading. I wanted to go on the journey with him to recapture his lost memories and to see why he was so important to his world. The emotional nexus around him was compelling and the world he inhabited was one I could live in." -King's River Life Magazine