Enter a Venice filled with bright magic, dark secrets, and a romance for the ages. On the streets of Venice, magic burns and wars wage, while powerful illusions and mind-bending magic keep the world of The Skilled hidden from ordinary people—or typics. The powerful Mardova Family rules Venice with an iron fist, keeping their powers secret and their eyes on their enemies. Zan Mardova would rather use his magical Skills to do tricks on his motorcycle or fly over buildings than involve himself in Family politics, but when he discovers a rival Family has brainwashed a beautiful typic girl named Ellie, he begins to unravel a web of dangerous secrets with Ellie at the center. Zan’s loyalty has always been to the Mardovas and the fate of Venice, but as Zan’s feelings for Ellie grow, he can no longer ignore his suspicions about members of his own Family. Zan fears there’s a traitor among the Mardovas—and it might be him.

Read the sequel to the book Brandon Sanderson calls "an imaginative, fast-paced urban fantasy." In the wake of the battle that tore his Family apart, Zan Mardova wants nothing more than to put a stop to the centuries of hatred and war, but replacing his father as Il Capo is more difficult than Zan imagined. Old friends have become new enemies, and foreign Skilled are setting their sights on Venice, hoping to take advantage of the unrest and claim the city for themselves. Zan needs Ellie by his side more than ever, but Venice is the one place he can’t keep her safe. Zan is desperate to end the legacy of violence and bloodshed once and for all—But in becoming the person he needs to be to hold his Family together, will he lose everyone that he loves? Megan Walker and Janci Patterson have also collaborated on a romantic comedy series ( The Extra ) and an epic fantasy series ( Godfire, with Lauren Janes, as Cara Witter.) Janci has also co-written books in Brandon Sanderson's Skyward series (Sunreach, Redawn, and Evershore ).

Read the conclusion to the series Brandon Sanderson calls "an imaginative, fast-paced urban fantasy." Now in possession of the artifact that has torn his world apart, Zan Mardova is still reeling from the discovery of a strange new magic, a connection with Ellie that challenges everything he’s ever known about typics and the Skilled. Before he can find his footing, Zan faces a new menace—a creature wearing the body of his old friend that is tearing across Italy toward Venice, leaving a trail of reanimated corpses in its wake. Where there is power, there will be those seeking to use it. Zan means to use his power to create a better world for typics and Skilled alike—But if he can’t stop what’s coming, it may already be too late.