Mudlark

**"One person alone can wield the magic of the box, Lark. What we need to find out is if that person is you." "Why didn't you let me bring the box with me?" asked Lark. The earthwitch laughed. "You're sharp, boy. The truth? We didn't dare. We are not about to put the most precious vessel of our combined magical traditions in the hands of a young boy who has not been tested." "Are you prepared to be tested, Lark?" Simon's steel-gray eyes looked into his. "Of course," he said. "What do I need to do?"** On the outskirts of the city, a young orphan boy, Lark, is forced to scavenge the muddy flats of the river for treasure in order to survive. When he finds a magical box that cannot be opened, his life changes forever. Lark soon learns that he is destined to battle the Capposeign—the corrupt and evil theocracy that rules the city of Perous with fire magic. However, Lark soon discovers that he has his own sort of magic, earned through a childhood spent in the water. He must quickly learn how to use his power—or die trying. In his quest to take down the Capposeign, Lark must ally with a witch, an artist, a revolutionary, and a strangely familiar and beautiful courtesan. Facing the powerful fire mages will push Lark and his friends to the very limit as they fight to save the city—but will their efforts be enough, or will it all go up in flames? Like Avatar: The Last Airbender meets Assassin's Apprentice, Mudlark is an atmospheric and thought-provoking fantasy adventure by debut author Chris Matthews.