Herald of Shadows

A fantasy novel translated by Anastasia Kuznetsova — a master translator with a portfolio that includes Clifford D. Simak, Michael Swanwick, Eoin Colfer, and other popular authors. The fantasy book is a finalist for the prestigious Nebula Award 2025!

To survive and avoid starvation in a magical world, Karis Eska has made a magical contract with Sabaster — a terrifying three-faced winged monster who knows neither mercy nor pity. In exchange, she received the magical gift of communicating with the shadows of the dead, becoming a herald of death — which provided her with a steady income and the opportunity to settle in the capital of the kingdom.

But one day, her life is turned upside down. While completing a task for local smugglers in mysterious dungeons, she accidentally encounters a dying stranger in a cave. Wanting to help him, Karis inadvertently binds the young man to her shadow — unleashing a chain of magical events.

Karis has no idea that she is putting both herself and him in terrible danger. For the young man, unbeknownst to himself, harbors an ancient secret for which the evident and hidden forces of the magical world are willing to commit any atrocity.