First published 2009
Jerzy knows only slavery in the vineyards until his master Malech, a Vineart who crafts magic from wine, recognizes something extraordinary in the boy. Fourteen centuries ago, prince-mages monopolized spellwines until a demigod shattered their power, leaving Vinearts to guard the secrets of wine magic while forbidden from wielding political authority. Now darkness spreads across the Vin Lands. Monstrous creatures appear in the vineyards. Plagues strike without warning. People vanish mysteriously. Malech alone senses the growing threat, and he believes Jerzy possesses untapped magical abilities that might counter this evil. The Vineart races to train his apprentice in the ancient craft of spellwines, but Jerzy struggles to master powers he barely understands. As the menace intensifies, master and student face a desperate choice. They must unlock Jerzy's hidden potential before the spreading corruption destroys everything, or watch their world fall to forces beyond their control.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, fantasy, magic
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, forbidden-magic, master-apprentice
Setting: Vin Lands
Period: 14th Century
374 pages · Hardcover · Gallery Books
Content warnings: violence