City of Storms (Nightmarked Book 1)

Winner of the 2022 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A tarot reader with a dangerous past. Two mortal enemies. And a conspiracy that could burn it all down.

In the perfect world of the Via Sancta, magical power flows through intricate tattoos on your skin. They promote harmony and suppress base urges like greed, lust, and anger.

But sometimes the marks invert—driving you mad.

Alexei Bryce hunts these deviants for the Church, secretly hoping to find the dark mage who turned his brother. The trail leads to Kasia Novak, a cartomancer who is far more than she seems. The cards say they’re fated to fall in love—if they can survive long enough.

Because now that same dark mage has infiltrated the city wards and is hunting Kasia.

Alexei and the nightmage called Malach fought on opposite sides of the bloody civil war years before. But despite the Church’s claim of victory, the conflict is far from over. And Alexei will discover that his faith’s triumph over the darkest recesses of the human soul is more fragile than he ever imagined.

Praise for City of Storms

“Richly textured and fabulously conceived. Ross drapes a tense political thriller in a trench coat of dark fantasy. Readers should expect the unexpected.” –Kirkus Reviews

“I’m not prone to bouts of effusiveness but I couldn’t gush enough about Kat Ross’s books, I enjoy them so much. This one has a Slavic feel, which was really interesting to me, and I loved the rainy city of Novostopol (also the map illustration is gorgeous). Added to the unique setting and fantasy elements are Ross’s usual mix of great characters, a twisty-turny plot, romance and a touch of humour. I already can’t wait for Book 2!” –Evelyn, Goodreads reviewer

“I loved the setting, which is technologically advanced yet progress is suppressed – it gave it a 1930’s noir feel. I’d compare it favourably to the ‘tsarpunk’ of the Grishaverse. Relatable characters and fast-paced and well-thought-out action drive this story along and have me eagerly awaiting the sequel.” –A. Adler, Goodreads

“A masterpiece of magical fantasy which mixes its unique concepts into the darkest psychology of the human mind and its most base physical desires and emotions. Action, excitement, and darkness in all the right places. An unmissable and original read.” K.C. Finn for Readers Favorite, 5 Stars

“A rousing adventure [and] skillful fusion of history, fantasy, and religion. It contains word paintings with arresting beauty and a three-dimensional character that is torn between duty and loyalty. I definitely recommend City of Storms for its unique twists, turns, and brilliant storyline.” Vincent Dublado for Readers Favorite, 5 Stars