Ebony Gate

Vee and Bebelle (who previously collaborated on the Seattle Slayers series) launch their Phoenix Hoard series with an action-packed urban fantasy set in a supernatural San Francisco. Magic-less Emiko Soong has lived her life as her family’s Blade, acting as a warrior, enforcer, and executioner and earning a reputation as the Butcher of Beijing, her Sword of Truth always strapped to her back. Now retired, Emiko seeks out a quiet life in California, hoping to leave bloodshed and violence in her past. But when a death god to whom her family owes a blood debt calls in a favor, Emiko can’t say no; either she locates the Ebony Gate—a door that holds back the ghosts of the underworld—on the god’s behalf or she’ll be forced to forfeit her soul. The ensuing epic quest is full of humor, action, and well-executed fight scenes, while also exploring the weight of past traumas, violence, and transgressions. Emiko is a heroine readers will eagerly cheer on, hopefully for many books to come. (July)