The Outskirter's Secret

Now we’re cookin’.¹ This second volume of Rosemary Kirstein’s ongoing series finds our heroines Bel and Rowan ranging far from the Inner Lands into the Outskirts where Bel grew up. Along the way they encounter several Outskirter tribes—some friendly, some not.

The magicians of The Steerswoman are largely offstage, but that added to the sense of growing dread I experienced while reading it. Kirstein really has a sense for memorable characters, precise world-building, and how to orchestrate some jaw-dropping reveals. I can’t wait to dive into book three.