The brilliant new fantasy novel from the acclaimed and multi-award winning author of City of Lies . . .

'Marvellous . . . will leave you reading late into the night.' SFX

'Poisoners, deceit and treachery . . . will surely keep readers entranced.' TERRY BROOKS

'One of the standout debuts - and books - of the year.' THE FANTASY HIVE

'Absolutely loved this . . . a wonderful read.' JOHN GWYNNE

'One of the best new fantasies I've seen in a long time.' ADRIAN TCHAIKOVSKY

'A bold new fantasy voice.' LAURA LAM
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You never get used to poisoning a child . . .

Two years after a devastating siege tore the country apart, Silasta has recovered. But to the frustration of poison-taster siblings Jovan and Kalina, sworn to protect the Chancellor, the city has grown complacent in its new-found peace and prosperity.

And now, amid the celebrations of the largest carnival the continent has ever seen, it seems a mysterious enemy has returned.

The death of a former adversary sets Jovan on the trail of a cunning killer, while Kalina negotiates the treacherous politics of visiting dignitaries, knowing that this vengeful mastermind may lurk among the princes and dukes, noble ladies and priests. But their investigations uncover another conspiracy which now threatens not just Silasta and the Chancellor but also their own family.

Assassins, witches and a dangerous criminal network are all closing in. And brother and sister must once more fight to save their city - and everyone they hold dear - from a patient, powerful enemy determined to tear it all down . . .

About the Author
A lawyer by training and a black belt in ju-jitsu, Sam Hawke lives in Canberra. Her first novel, City of Lies, received international acclaim and won the Ditmar Award for Best Novel, jointly won the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel and the Norma K Hemming Award, as well as earning Sam a nomination for the Astounding Award for Best New SFF Writer for the 2020 Hugos. Hollow Empire continues her Poison War series.

Reviews
A masterpiece of intrigue and mystery with a nameless, faceless enemy hellbent on destruction. I loved it.
Utterly brilliant . . . The Poison Wars novels contain some of the best world-building I've ever read, a wonderful sibling bond unlike anything in fantasy, all wrapped together in a mystery I couldn't put down. Highly recommend!
A richly textured tale of old treachery and new intrigue . . . Fans will savour Hawke's well-shaded characters, the lavish descriptions of their fictional world, and Hawke's acute analyses of self-doubt, guilt, discrimination, and recrimination. This is a political epic done right * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *
Hollow Empire delivers mystery, suspense, thrills, action, setbacks, puzzles, red herrings, emotional gut-punches, moments of despair - and triumph - and even a little romance . . . a true fantasy masterpiece * FANTASY HIVE *
One of Australia's leading imaginative authors * CANBERRA TIMES *



Book Information
ISBN 9781529177275
Author Sam Hawke
Format Paperback
Page Count 688
Imprint Penguin (Transworld)
Publisher Transworld Publishers Ltd
Weight(grams) 461g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 127mm * 40mm