Gifts of the Auldtree

The Starlight Company’s survival depends on thieving and assassinating without upsetting the humans around them.

Axly, like all hybrids, is Company property—from the rings on her fingers to her woody bones and the skin that covers them. Her rank as the Starlight Jewel affords her some freedom in the city of Minalav, where the hybrids of the Starlight Company follow a code to keep balance between humans and sprygans. Axly isn’t bound by this code, especially when it conflicts with protecting her human half-brother. She’ll do anything to keep him safe—even if it means damaging company property or destroying Minalav’s balance to do it.

General Arthur Grimwalt is only in Minalav to secure a deal to protect his country, not be romanced and robbed by the infamous Starlight Palace’s lavish balls. Securing such a deal has left Grim with more than he bargained for and vague memories as to how it happened.

If the Starlight Company won’t let Axly go, then she’ll give the gluttons what they want and more. No one leaves this tale unscathed.

Graphic: This book has scenes of graphic violence, a bit of torture, and some death.

Non-graphic/implied: There is non-graphic prostitution within the hybrid society, and implications of ritualized consensual sacrificial procreation, matricide, dismemberment, and possibly some other stuff that listeners may find disturbing. It’s been described as having a “splash of grimdark,” but overall is pretty tame. There is no depicted spice or SA.

The dog in the series, Cleatus, is safe and will not at any point die.