A whirlwind of intrigue, lies, politics, and adventure swirls around one woman—and the prize she’s been sent to reclaim … It was her talent for tracking magic that got Anna Zhdanov sent to catch a thief. A scholar’s daughter sold as a bond servant, she has no desire to recover the Emperor’s jewel for herself. But a chance to earn her freedom has driven her to the untamed Eddalyon province, awash with warm breezes, lapping waves, and more danger than she could possibly guess. Within days her cover as an indolent noblewoman is in question, and it’s clear there’s more to Anna’s task than she knows. Soon she’s the captive of the unpredictable pirate captain Andreas Koszenmarc, hunted by the Emperor’s guard, besieged by a brigand queen, and at odds with her only friend. She must trust someone if she is to survive. But when all that’s certain is that everyone is hiding something, it’s no simple thing to choose … Praise for A Study in Honor “…a hell of a good novel… A Study in Honor turns out to be one of those books I find impossible to put down. I want the sequel immediately.” — Tor.com

The Mage and Empire fantasy series continues with a novel of magic, intrigue, ambition, and betrayal from the author of A Jewel Bright Sea. Anna Zhdanov left Duenne as a bonded servant. Six months later she has returned with wealth and freedom—her reward for retrieving the Emperor's jewel. But when one's fate rests with a fickle ruler, nothing is certain. For her own safety, Anna is compelled to undertake another mission: helping to colonize newly discovered islands to the east. Her journey will also force her to confront her conflicted feelings for the nobleman and pirate, Andreas Koszenmarc. Their arrival in distant Morennio� is greeted with concern by Gaude, queen of the islands. Devoted to her people, Gaude hopes to drive the settlers away—peacefully, if possible. They have resisted takeover before. But this time, Anna must contend with the powerful, intriguing Commander Maszny. He should be her enemy, but the line between foe and ally can shift, as Anna well knows. And at some point, each woman must discern where duty ends, and destiny begins . . . Praise for A Jewel Bright Sea "This is a fast-paced sword and sorcery pirate adventure filled with magic, double-dealing and high stakes for the characters, and I enjoyed it a lot." —Martha Wells, New York Times\-bestselling author "If you want rousing adventure with capable heroines and mysterious heroes, along with magic, swashbuckling, romance, and pirates, Claire O'Dell delivers the goods." —Darlene Marshall, Author of Castaway Dreams