Groundbreaking, intriguing, and captivating, New York Times bestselling author Kristine Kathryn Rusch's The Reflection on Mount Vitaki sets the stage to launch her acclaimed Fey series into exciting new territory. When Kyra Row Kirilli feels the pull of the mysterious reflection on the mountain across the Forbidden Valley, she knows she must embark on an impossible journey-one no one ever survives. Introducing undiscovered lands and deftly blending fantasy and steampunk elements, Kristine Kathryn Rusch's first foray into the Qavnerian Protectorate saga adds rich new backstory to the groundbreaking Fey series. Set long before The Sacrifice, this novella introduces compelling new characters and intriguing new locations to the rich world of the Fey and demonstrates Rusch's power as the greatest storyteller of our time.

Gripping, imaginative, and a tour-de-force of thrilling storytelling, New York Times bestselling author Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s The Kirilli Matter launches her acclaimed Fey series into exciting new territory. When the investigation of a brutal murder scene points to terrifying suspects, Augusta Kirilli must find a way to protect her family’s secrets—secrets so long buried, she must discover their meaning or risk her own destruction. Set in the world of The Fey and masterfully blending fantasy and steampunk elements, Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s Qavnerian Protectorate saga adds rich new dimension to this powerfully written series. From its shocking opening to the deepening mystery at its conclusion, this groundbreaking novel takes epic fantasy in a whole new direction and proves Rusch’s place as the greatest storyteller of our time. “It’s a delight to return to a popular fantasy setting after so many years, and to see a skilled author like \[Kristine Kathryn\] Rusch finally realize her ambition for this series.” — Black Gate “A very good, very large fantasy...nicely done and with a particularly satisfying and unexpected resolution.” — Science Fiction Chronicle on The Sacrifice “Rusch’s greatest strength…is her ability to close down a story and leave the reader feeling that the author could not possibly have wrung any more satisfaction out of the piece.” — The Kansas City Star “Kristine Kathryn Rusch integrates the fantastic elements so rigorously into her story that it is often hard to remember she is not merely recording the here and now.” — Science Fiction Weekly “Whether \[Rusch\] writes high fantasy, horror, sf, or contemporary fantasy, I’ve always been fascinated by her ability to tell a story with that enviable gift of invisible prose. She’s one of those very few writers whose style takes me right into the story—the words and pages disappear as the characters and their story swallows me whole…. Rusch has style.” —Charles de Lint

When Augusta (Gussie) Kirilli discovers that someone wants to destroy her entire family, she has to warn them. But they're scattered all over the Qavnerian Protectorate. So she hires the one person who can reach them quickly—Lucinda Barkson. Lucinda Barkson, tough and dedicated, with a mysterious past. Lucinda Barkson who sets out immediately, armed with fourteen letters, a partially accurate map, and a dozen different weapons. Lucinda Barkson, who soon realizes she faces warriors from the greatest military in the world—the Fey.