Opening Gambit

Tilly Wallace

Mar 2022 · Tournament of Shadows Book 1 · Ribbonwood Press

About this ebook

She’s been a pawn for too long. It’s time to take control of the game…

The first female magic user to reach adulthood in England for centuries, Seraphina Winyard is viewed as a freakish chattel by some…and by others as a danger that must be erased from history. Held captive and humiliated like a performing animal, she cannot dream of a future, and has no hope in the present. Until she escapes.

When her former guardian is murdered, suspicion falls on Seraphina. Aided by the brilliant surgeon Hugh Miles, she must discover how to wield her power to find the true murderer before her leash is replaced by a noose.

With her life at stake, Sera has to hurry. The deeper she digs, the more she discovers she is a pawn in someone else’s game. A game of magic and lies that intends to resurrect an ancient evil. A game that will shake England to its core and threaten everyone she loves…

A historical fantasy adventure that blends magic and supernatural mystery set in an alternate eighteenth-century England. Perfect for fans of Charlie N Holmberg, Gail Carriger, and CJ Archer.

Ratings and reviews

Loved it! Wonderful characters and many layers to the story makes this series one of the best reads I've had in a long time. Definitely catches you from the very beginning and never lets go.

great characters. Really enjoyed the adventure, was not( to me) predictable with the twist and turns. If you like stories like the Watchmakers daughter, you'll enjoy this.

Thank you for celebrating the unique wisdom and power of being a woman without denigrating the strength of blending it with the uniqueness of men.

About the author

Tilly drinks entirely too much coffee and is obsessed with hats. When not scouring vintage stores for her next chapeau purchase, she writes whimsical historical fantasy novels, set in a bygone time where magic is real. With a quirky and loveable cast, her books combine vintage magic and gentle humour.

Through loyal friendships, her characters discover that in an uncertain world, the strongest family is the one you create.