A fantasy series about a secret society sworn to protect mythical creatures and the girl who becomes its most important member.

Mythical creatures still exist, hidden from the modern world by a secret society determined to keep these wild and mysterious creatures safe from those who wish to destroy them.

Mallins Wood is home to the last surviving gorgon, and Col's mother, the gorgon's supernatural Companion, is determined to save it from encroaching development--even to the point of endangering Col and his best friend Connie, the most powerful Companion alive.

"Originally published in the UK by Oxford University Press, 2006."

"A classic, breathtaking adventure brimful of dangerous magic and clever politics."―Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne Loyalties are tested and nations clash in the second novel of a fresh epic fantasy series bursting with adventure, intrigue, ambition, and deadly magic. Ryxander, the Warden of Gloamingard, has failed. Unsealed by her blood, the Door hidden within the black tower has opened. Now, for the first time since the age of the Graces, demons walk the world. As tensions grow between nations, all eyes—and daggers—are set on Morgrain, which has fallen under the Demon of Discord’s control. When an artifact with the power to wipe out all life in a domain is stolen, Ryx will do whatever it takes to save her home from destruction. But success may demand a larger sacrifice from Ryx than she could have imagined. Praise for Rooks and Ruin: "Block out time to binge this can't-stop story filled with danger and unexpected disaster. From the fresh take on time-honored tropes to a crunchy, intrigue-filled story, The Obsidian Tower is a must-read for lovers of high fantasy."―C. L. Polk, World Fantasy award-winning author of Witchmark "This is a truly excellent fantasy and an epic beginning for a new trilogy."―Locus Rooks and Ruin The Obsidian Tower The Quicksilver Court The Ivory Tomb For more from Melissa Caruso, check out: Swords and Fire The Tethered Mage The Defiant Heir The Unbroken Empire

Fifteen year old Lexa is very different to her twin Lucinda, but when they stumble upon their uncle's storeroom they discover a world far away from their mundane lives. Guided by their Uncle Devon and his untrustworthy chimera familiar, the girls along with Lexa's best friend Marlon, try to navigate their new surroundings without falling prey to the elusive puppeteer and the creeping, sinister Puppet Spell.