The story of four women who set out to uncover the secret origins of an intricate, magical city—and to change its fate.
Istehar Shan, whose unique powers allow her to communicate with trees and books, has brought her refugee forest people to the multicultural archipelago city of Moonstone, home of the Library, the world’s repository of wisdom. But where has she brought them? The locals regard the refugees with suspicion, and a hostile prince will soon inherit the city’s rule from his father and plans to exile Istehar’s people, or worse. While in Moonstone, Istehar’s married three wives—a brave warrior librarian, a subtle-minded former concubine, and a curious and tenacious apothecary who has spent years trying to solve her parents’ murder. When, driven by her magical intuition, Istehar buys a book for her wife’s birthday called A Poisoner’s Guide to Moonstone, she sets in motion events that will change not only their lives, but the city of Moonstone itself.
Together the four wives embark on solving a double murder, and in the end, the closely-guarded secret at the heart of the city’s founding.
Discover Moonstone: https://www.themoonstonecovenant.net/
Like Tolkien and Leguin, Jill Hammer has conjured up a richly detailed world, alive with magic, political intrigue, and a robust case of fascinating characters. Readers of fantasy will love this book!
–Ellen Frankel, author of The Deadly Scrolls
In lyrical and beautiful language, Jill Hammer lays bare the prejudices of an island landscape where the waterways are as important as highways. Through the tale of a four-way marriage, she carries us into the depths of relationships between women, the flows of feeling and passion, history and trust, treachery both imagined and real. Betrayal lies at the heart of this story, but its healing is a thread running through from the start. A genuinely engaging, enlivening, and inspiring read!
–Manda Scott, author of Any Human Power and host of the Accidental Gods podcast
Part murder mystery, part political thriller, part fantasy epic, The Moonstone Covenant celebrates the power and wisdom of books, the natural world, and queer love. This wondrous novel is a gift of imagination for readers everywhere.
–Jonathan Vatner, author of The Bridesmaids’ Union
Jill Hammer 