Mazes of Power
The Broken Trust
This debut work of sociological science fiction follows a deadly battle for succession, where brother is pitted against brother in a singular chance to win power and influence for their family.
The cavern city of Pelismara has stood for a thousand years. The Great Families of the nobility cling to the myths of their golden age while the city’s technology wanes.
When a fever strikes, and the Eminence dies, seventeen-year-old Tagaret is pushed to represent his Family in the competition for Heir to the Throne. To win would give him the power to rescue his mother from his abusive father, and marry the girl he loves.
But the struggle for power distorts everything in this highly stratified society, and the fever is still loose among the inbred, susceptible nobles. Tagaret’s sociopathic younger brother, Nekantor, is obsessed with their family’s success. Nekantor is willing to exploit Tagaret, his mother, and her new servant Aloran to defeat their opponents.
Can he be stopped? Should he be stopped? And will they recognize themselves after the struggle has changed them?
Praise
“Excellent…The impressively winding plot, layered worldbuilding, and psychologically acute characterizations are sure to hold readers’ attention. Wade is an author to watch.”
Publishers weekly, starred review
“Delicious political intrigue and really cool world building.”
Ann Leckie, Hugo and Nebula award-winning author of Ancillary Justice
“A vivid, thrilling journey through a wonderfully realized and wonderfully complex world; and a fascinating look at power and its exercise across different strata of an intricate society.”
Aliette de Bodard, Nebula award-winning author of The Tea Master and the Detective
“A twisty ride through family drama and tangled politics, Mazes of Power carries readers into a world of love and treachery, and doesn’t let them go.”
Laura Anne Gilman, author of The Cold Eye
“A deliciously complex, glittering work of family intrigue and life-or-death politics in a world that’s utterly alien, with characters who are all-too human. I loved it.”
Kelly Robson, Hugo award-winning author of Gods, Monsters, and the Lucky Peach