1768. Charlotte, daughter of the Habsburg Empress, arrives in Naples to marry a man she has never met. Her sister Antoine is sent to France, and in the mirrored corridors of Versailles they rename her Marie Antoinette. The sisters are alone, but they are not powerless. When they were only children, they discovered a book of spells – spells that work, with dark and unpredictable consequences.
In a time of vicious court politics, of discovery and dizzying change, they use the book to take control of their lives. But every spell requires a sacrifice. And as love between the sisters turns to rivalry, they will send Europe spiralling into revolution.
Kate Heartfield is the author of The Embroidered Book, a 2022 bestseller in the UK and Canada, and Assassin’s Creed: The Magus Conspiracy. Her debut novel won Canada’s Aurora Award, and her novellas, stories and games have been shortlisted for multiple awards. A former journalist, Kate lives near Ottawa, Canada. Her next novel is The Valkyrie, a retelling of Norse and Germanic legends coming in mid-2023.
Off the Page is an award-winning podcast featuring interviews with authors from around the world. Hosted by award-winning producer Crystal Sarakas, and produced by WSKG Public Media.