The Laws of Magic

Series · 6 books · 2006-2011

By Michael Pryor

Books in series

Blaze of Glory

2006

Juvenile Fiction

Heart of Gold

2007

At a loss after finishing their end-of-year exams, Aubrey and George travel to the Gallian capital, Lutetia, where it so happens that the lovely Caroline is studying natural history. Aubrey wants to pursue a cure for his condition - though his family have other ideas, and he's soon burdened with a royal mystery to solve, old letters to procure, a missing ornithologist to locate and a spot of diplomatic espionage. These tasks should keep Aubrey occupied - but that would be underestimating Aubrey's sense of curiosity and uncanny knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Someone is stealing people's souls and turning them into mindless monsters, and the country's magical lifeline, the Heart of Gold, has been stolen, leaving the city in chaos. Aubrey, George, and a somewhat reluctant Caroline are on the case . . .

Word of Honour

2008

Sinister plots, schemes within schemes, magical upheavals, and a world to save from evil. As always, Aubrey goes looking for trouble—and finds it, in spades. Magical genius Aubrey Fitzwilliam, along with his loyal friend George, is trying to immerse himself in his new life at university. But for Aubrey life is never straightforward. When Aubrey's father, the Prime Minister, invites him and George to take a ride on a top-secret submersible, Aubrey can't resist. The magical attack that threatens to send them to the bottom of the ocean begins a whirlwind series of events - a plot to rob Albion's largest bank, strange underground disturbances and an opera singer who bears an uncanny resemblance to Aubrey's nemesis, Dr Tremaine... How can Aubrey concentrate on his studies when there are mysteries to unravel?

Time of Trial

2009

In the fourth book of this utterly addictive series, magical genius Aubrey Fitzwilliam is heading deep into the heart of enemy territoryluckily, with his friends by his side It may look like a simple wire device, but the Beccaria Cage could be the cure for Aubrey's condition: a way to reunite his body and soul. But can Aubrey solve its mysteries while Dr. Tremaine's warmongering machinations gather pace? After magical confrontations, near-death experiences, and the appearance of new allies and new enemies, Aubrey decides that there is only one thing to do: carry the fight to the enemy. Thanks to a fortuitously timed symposium, Aubrey, George, and Caroline accompany Lady Rose and Prince Albert to Holmlandinto the heart of hostile territoryonly to find a city infested with ghosts, brigands, and shadowy figures with agendas of their own. Fisherberg is a city on a knife edge. While trying to prevent a war, could Aubrey Fitzwilliam inadvertently trigger one?

Moment of Truth

2010

Aubrey has a difficult choice to make to save his friends when Albion erupts into war—and it could cost him his life The war that has been looming for so long finally erupts, sending Albion and the continent into chaos. Aubrey, George, and Caroline are brought into a top-secret espionage unit and sent on a mission to investigate a mysterious magical facility on the Gallia–Holmland border. There they uncover a factory that is about to unleash an unstoppable horror that could win the war within weeks. The only way to save hundreds of thousands of lives could cost Aubrey his friends, his family, his reputation—and even his life.

Hour of Need

2011

Aubrey Fitzwilliam, renegade and traitor. Instead of clearing his name in Albion, Aubrey has chosen to pursue his enemy, Dr. Mordecai Tremaine, deep into the heart of enemy territory. What he uncovers in Dr. Tremaine's stronghold promises to change the course of the war and the future of humanity itself. A hideous combination of electrical science, golem manufacturing, and soul-shattering magic is bringing the world far closer to the edge of the abyss than anyone apart from Aubrey realizes. Alone, reviled, and hunted, this is Aubrey's last chance to save the world—for if he doesn't there might not be a world left to save.

Author

Michael Pryor

Author · 25 books

Michael Pryor's bio Check out my Fantasy podcast, 'The World Below the War in the Heavens' wherever you get your podcasts! I was born in Swan Hill, Victoria. I spent my childhood in country Victoria and Melbourne before moving to Geelong at the age of 10. I lived in Geelong until I went to university in Melbourne after secondary school. I currently live in Melbourne. I’ve worked as a drainer’s labourer, a truck driver, a bathroom accessories salesperson, an Internet consultant, a Multimedia Developer, a Publisher, in a scrap metal yard and as a secondary school teacher. Whew. I’ve taught English, Literature, Drama, Legal Studies and Computer Studies. I've published over thirty-five novels and more than sixty of my short stories have appeared in Australia and overseas in publications such as Overland and the New South Wales School Magazine. My writing moves from literary fiction to genre Science Fiction to slapstick humour, depending on my mood. I’ve been shortlisted eleven times for the Aurealis Award for Speculative Fiction, and have also been nominated for a Ditmar award. My short stories have twice been featured in Gardner Dozois’ ‘Highly Recommended’ lists in The Year’s Best Science Fiction and The Year’s Best Fantasy. Nine of my books have been CBC Notable Books, I’ve been longlisted for a Golden Inky and I’ve been shortlisted for the WAYBRA Award. I’ve also twice won the Best and Fairest Award at West Brunswick Amateur Football Club. My reviews tend toward the three word style of the trenchant critic, N. Molesworth.