Violet Zennor has had a peculiar upbringing. Training as a fighter in underground arenas, honing her skills against the worst scum, murderers and thieves her father could pit her against, she has learned to be ruthless. To kill.
Until the day Hedrek Zennor dies. Violet thinks she's free - a rich young heiress with a world of possibilities in front of her. Then, to her horror, Violet learns that her father planned to send her into the Darklands, where the Leech Lords reign. Where Violet's still-born brother was taken years ago after Hedrek sold him to a man bearing the mark of the mysterious Anchorhold.
Her father's solicitor and the city's bishop are insistent she fulfil her duty, but Violet steadfastly refuses. Until one night two assassins attempt to slaughter her - and it becomes clear: if she wants to enjoy a future free of the interference of either solicitors, bishops or assassins, she's going to have to clean up the mess her father made.
On her journey, Violet seeks the help of Miren O'Malley in the hidden estate of Blackwater, whose family once produced the purest, strangest silver; Ellie Briar of Silverton, the Briar Witch who guards the gateway to the realm of the Leech Lords; and Asher Todd of Whitebarrow, who did terrible things and found The Three Who Went Beneath.
Ultimately, Violet must go alone. Into the Darklands. To the Anchorhold where it all began. Where it will all end. To do what must be done.
***
***
The pillow feels solid, weighty, like it can do no damage (1).
***
(@TitanBooks, 11 February 2025, 368 pages, ARC from the publisher via @NetGalley)
***
This is a new author for me. The blurb for The Crimson Road made me want to read it and I'm so glad I did. I loved this book. This is a brilliantly written, engrossing book and I couldn't put it down. I'm not sure when the book is set but it has a historical feel and this along with the gothic horror elements made this a must read for me. Violent is a fantastic character fighting against the role her father is trying to force her into even after his death, reluctant to admit he may be right about the job he left for her to do. This ticks all the boxes for me and is a must read.