The Archivist and the Knife

Clarissa Gosling

May 2024 · Prinsenhof Publications

About this ebook

Refusing to accept a position under her childhood rival, Samira opts instead to leave the Tindersands Family and take on the role of Imperial Archivist. Thrown out of her home for her betrayal, she must learn more about the role she chose in anger. What had once been an important position, has languished in the decades the Phoenix throne has lain empty.

Tajamar can't understand why she would throw away all she's worked towards because he was chosen first. The golden boy of the Tindersands Family, Samira is the only person to ever challenge him or get on his nerves. Happy the thorn in his side has left, he looks forward to enjoying the favour of his new position.

Meanwhile, servants turn up missing their shadows, ignored by the five families battling each other for supremacy in their Council. The empty throne looms as the prize over them all. Both Samira and Tajamar hunt for an explanation. Can they trust each other for long enough to bring the truth to light?

Exploring the hidden archives, Samira must draw on all her skills to weave a way between the familial politics, crystal magic, and uncertain alliances. Finding herself at the centre of a conspiracy, she must call on friends and enemies to help save the Empire. Before stories that should never have been forgotten repeat themselves.

Ratings and reviews

Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. I love the complex mysteries that become investigations for the new archivist. The plot draws you in and grips you as clues are uncovered. It is also about a choice, thought to be one out of defiance, but turns into exactly what is needed. A young woman whose choice turns into an incredible adventure in personal growth and crime solving. I can’t wait for the next book in this series

I enjoyed this story and its feel of an epic beginning. It introduces Samira and Tajamar on the day they graduate and take on their new rolls. But all it not what it seems and Samira discovers some things and that a danger is around. I liked the characters with its drama, danger and intrigue. Drew me in and kept me reading to try and figure out what was going on and what Samira and Tajamar would discover and if they could learn to not hate each other.

I was excited to read The Archivist and the Knife and I was not disappointed! This page turner had me entranced throughout the entire book. My emotions when reading were all over the place; matching those of the main characters: insecurity, fear, excitement, worry, joy, despair, and confusion. I'm a reader that likes to guess what is happening further on in the book; but this book kept surprising me with its plot twists. I highly recommend reading The Archivist and the Knife. I eagerly await the

About the author

Clarissa has always lived more in the world of daydream and fiction than in reality. In her writing she explores purpose and belonging across worlds. Having never found an actual portal to faeryland, she creates her own fantastical worlds where dragons, fae and other magical creatures rule.

She now lives in the Netherlands with her family, where she writes as much as they will let her. When not reading or writing, she drinks too much tea and has a burgeoning obsession with Bundt cakes.