'A rich and vivid future Earth that's inventive and attention-grabbing in equal measure'
SFX

'Evokes classics of the genre...throwing in elements of Mad Max and Indiana Jones'
FINANCIAL TIMES

A SAVAGE FUTURE. A VANISHED PAST. A MISSING KEY.

Among the ruins of a civilization beyond their understanding, humanity clings to survival. Guilds vie for control of ancient cities, bandits ride glowing highways, and cyborg adventurers hunt for lost technology.

In the City of Towers, once the heart of the fallen Tarakan empire, a historian searches for clues to explain the disappearance of Rafik, a young boy with extraordinary abilities - a Puzzler.

Marked with strange tattoos and gifted with a miraculous connection to Tarakan technology, Rafik could open doors inside the ruins, uncovering treasures and secrets.

As Rafik's story is retold, it becomes clear that one lost boy may be the key to reviving a broken world or unleashing a new wave of devastation.

About the Author

Eyal Kless is a classical violinist who enjoys an international career both as a performer and a teacher. Born in Israel, Eyal has travelled the world extensively, living several years in Dublin, London, Manchester, and Vienna, before returning to Tel Aviv. His first novel, Rocca's Violin, was published in Hebrew in 2008 by Korim Publishers. Eyal currently teaches violin in the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University, and performs with the Israel Haydn String Quartet, which he founded. His hobbies (which he takes seriously) include martial arts, politics, computer and role playing games and tickling his daughter, Ella.

Reviews

'A coming-of-age story with a difference...intriguing and involving'
DAILY MAIL

'Evokes classics of the genre such as Jack Vance's Dying Earth series and Gene Wolfe's The Book of the New Sun, throwing in elements of Mad Max and Indiana Jones...a virtuoso performance'
FINANCIAL TIMES

'Readers looking for a crafty puzzle that descends into the twisty depths of loyalty and betrayal will enjoy this far-future adventure'
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

'A rich and vivid future Earth that's inventive and attention-grabbing in equal measure'
SFX

'This rich dystopian world includes snippets of technology that perplex most of the characters, a steady mix of storytelling and action, and intense character development that makes the book hard to put down'
BOOKLIST

Book Information
ISBN 9780008272302
Author Eyal Kless
Format Paperback
Page Count 528
Imprint HarperVoyager
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 370g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 33mm