Paperback edition of SEASON OF SPELLS out tomorrow


The mass-market paperback edition of Sylvia Hunter‘s A SEASON OF SPELLS is out tomorrow in the UK! Published by Allison & Busby, here’s the synopsis…

In the latest novel from the author of Lady of Magick, Sophie and Gray Marshall must save the Kingdom of Britain from a tide of dark magic…

After three years of study at the University in Din Edin, Sophie and Gray return to London escorting Lucia MacNeill, heiress of Alba, to meet the British prince to whom she is betrothed. When sparks fail to fly between the pair, it is an inauspicious start, and when the traitors who tried to poison King Henry escape from prison, the alliance seems to be on shaky ground indeed. 

In an attempt to forge a connection between Lucia and Roland, Sophie enlists them in her scheme to reopen the mysterious and long-shuttered women’s college at Oxford. But the future of the college and of the kingdom itself is put in the balance by a deadly contest between Sophie’s group and enemies at Britain’s gates.

Allison & Busby has also published the first two novels in the series: THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN and LADY OF MAGICK.

‘Hunter’s characters and setting feel fully formed, and the story moves briskly through its twists and turns. This compelling blend of fantasy, intrigue, and Regency romance adds up to a thoroughly satisfying adventure.’ Publishers Weekly

Zeno represents Sylvia Hunter in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

LADY OF MAGICK out now in paperback!


Sylvia Hunter‘s LADY OF MAGICK is out today in paperback in the UK! The second novel in the author’s Midnight Queen trilogy, it is published by Allison & Busby, here’s the synopsis…

In an ancient kingdom full of secrets, unease and myth, Sophie and Gray Marshall are about to be ensnared in an arcane plot that threatens to undo them both . . .

In her second year of studies at Merlin College, Oxford, Sophie Marshall is feeling alienated among fellow students who fail to welcome a woman to their ranks. So when her husband, Gray, is invited north as a visiting lecturer at the University in Din Edin, they leap at the chance. There, Sophie’s hunger for magickal knowledge can finally be nourished. But she must put her newly learned skills to the test sooner than expected. 

All is not well in the Kingdom of Alba, and before long the Marshalls find themselves beset by unexpected dangers. When Gray disappears, and none of her spells can find a trace of him, Sophie realises something sinister has befallen him. Delving into Gray’s disappearance she soon finds herself in a web of magick and intrigue that threatens not just Gray, but the entire kingdom.

Allison & Busby have also published the first two novels in the trilogy: THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN and A SEASON OF SPELLS.

‘The second instalment in Hunter’s Midnight Queen series will attract both familiar and new readers. The new kingdom of Alba is a stark contrast to Hunter’s version of Britain but every bit as creative and fascinating, allowing for a completely new and unexpected plot. The characters continue to grow and change, as individuals and as a couple, as they face both magical and personal challenges. A new twist in every chapter will keep readers desperately turning pages until the end.’RT Book Reviews

‘Entertaining… Sophie and Joanna play central roles, which will delight fans of strong women. Hunter’s charming world, just a few steps off-center of our own, continues to offer many possibilities for future adventure.’Publishers Weekly

‘Another intriguing fantasy set in an alternate history version of Regency-era Europe.’Library Journal

Zeno represents Sylvia Hunter in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Out Now: THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN by Sylvia Hunter


The paperback edition of Sylvia Hunter‘s THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN is out today in the UK! Published by Allison & Busby, here’s the synopsis…

Gray Marshall’s Britain is a fragmented kingdom of many tongues, many gods and many magics. But all that concerns Gray is returning as soon as possible to his studies at Merlin College, Oxford and setting right the nightmare that has seen him disgraced and banished to his tutor’s home.

Sophie Callender may not have magic herself and a father who forbids his daughters a magical education, but her bookish rebellion and growing friendship with Gray are the first steps of a journey. A journey that will involve them in a conspiracy at the heart of the kingdom and into the legend of a young queen who vanished without a trace years before.

THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN is the first novel in the fantasy trilogy of the same name. Allison & Busby have also published the other two books in the series: LADY OF MAGICK and A SEASON OF SPELLS.

‘The history of her world is not the usual stuff … If Hunter can be this inventive in her first novel, I can’t wait to see what she does next.’  —  Marie Brennan, author of Memoirs of Lady Trent series

‘In THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN, Izzo Hunter pulls from a multitude of mystical tales and myths to create her own magical version of Britain that is both innovative and intriguing. The plot is creative and suspenseful — and never predictable. Your affection for the dynamic heroes will only grow as Hunter’s characters face challenge after unexpected challenge. The MIDNIGHT QUEEN is a novel that readers will be unable to put down.’ RT Book Reviews

THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN is, above all else, a powerfully atmospheric novel, and a huge reason why is because of Hunter’s writing….The atmosphere is incredible, and the characters are fantastically believable and delightfully developed… THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN is a love story that will warm your heart, and a story of magic and struggle, truth and might, in the face of all odds, with some stunning writing that will really hook readers and brings them into the colorful world that Hunter has created.’ Bookworm Blues 

‘A great fantasy introductory book… THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN sets up a storyline with intrigue, magic and romance…[that is] a really fun ride.’ Seattle Geekly

Zeno represents Sylvia Hunter in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

A SEASON OF SPELLS begins tomorrow in the UK…


Sylvia Hunter‘s third Midnight Queen novel, A SEASON OF SPELLS is out tomorrow in the UK! Published by Allison & Busby, here’s the synopsis…

Sophie and Gray Marshall must save the Kingdom of Britain from a tide of dark magic…

After three years of study at the University in Din Edin, Sophie and Gray return to London escorting Lucia MacNeill, heiress of Alba, to meet the British prince to whom she is betrothed. When sparks fail to fly between the pair, it is an inauspicious start, and when the traitors who tried to poison King Henry escape from prison, the alliance seems to be on shaky ground indeed. 

In an attempt to forge a connection between Lucia and Roland, Sophie enlists them in her scheme to reopen the mysterious and long-shuttered women’s college at Oxford. But the future of the college and of the kingdom itself is put in the balance by a deadly contest between Sophie’s group and enemies at Britain’s gates.

Allison & Busby have also published the first two novels in the series: THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN and LADY OF MAGICK.

‘Hunter’s characters and setting feel fully formed, and the story moves briskly through its twists and turns. This compelling blend of fantasy, intrigue, and Regency romance adds up to a thoroughly satisfying adventure.’Publishers Weekly on A SEASON OF SPELLS

‘In THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN, Izzo Hunter pulls from a multitude of mystical tales and myths to create her own magical version of Britain that is both innovative and intriguing. The plot is creative and suspenseful — and never predictable. Your affection for the dynamic heroes will only grow as Hunter’s characters face challenge after unexpected challenge. THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN is a novel that readers will be unable to put down.’RT Book Reviews

‘A well-balanced blend of fantasy with a historical fiction-type setting, overlaid with a story laced with a heavy dose of the kind of chaste, slow-burn romance one might find in a traditional Regency novel… THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN is a very beautiful, very atmospheric novel about young love.’Bibliosanctum

‘Entertaining… Sophie and Joanna play central roles, which will delight fans of strong women. Hunter’s charming world, just a few steps off-center of our own, continues to offer many possibilities for future adventure.’Publishers Weekly on LADY OF MAGICK

Zeno represents Sylvia Hunter in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

LADY OF MAGICK arrives today in the UK!


HunterSI-2-LadyOfMagickUK

Sylvia Hunter‘s LADY OF MAGICK is out today in the UK! The third novel in the author’s Midnight Queen trilogy, it’s published by Allison & Busby. Here’s the synopsis…

In an ancient kingdom full of secrets, unease and myth, Sophie and Gray Marshall are about to be ensnared in an arcane plot that threatens to undo them both…

In her second year of studies at Merlin College, Oxford, Sophie Marshall is feeling alienated among fellow students who fail to welcome a woman to their ranks. So when her husband, Gray, is invited north as a visiting lecturer at the University in Din Edin, they leap at the chance. There, Sophie’s hunger for magickal knowledge can finally be nourished. But she must put her newly learned skills to the test sooner than expected. 

All is not well in the Kingdom of Alba, and before long the Marshalls find themselves beset by unexpected dangers. When Gray disappears, and none of her spells can find a trace of him, Sophie realises something sinister has befallen him. Delving into Gray’s disappearance she soon finds herself in a web of magick and intrigue that threatens not just Gray, but the entire kingdom.

Allison & Busby have already published THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN, and are due to publish the third and final novel in the trilogy, A SEASON OF SPELLS, in May 2017.

‘Entertaining… Sophie and Joanna play central roles, which will delight fans of strong women. Hunter’s charming world, just a few steps off-center of our own, continues to offer many possibilities for future adventure.’Publishers Weekly on LADY OF MAGICK

‘The second installment in Hunter’s Noctis Magicae series will attract both familiar and new readers. The new kingdom of Alba is a stark contrast to Hunter’s version of Britain but every bit as creative and fascinating, allowing for a completely new and unexpected plot. The characters continue to grow and change, as individuals and as a couple, as they face both magical and personal challenges. A new twist in every chapter will keep readers desperately turning pages until the end.’Romantic Times on LADY OF MAGICK

‘This was a great fantasy read. It was very quick and well I will have to track me down a copy of both books now. Fans of Robin McKinley will enjoy this one as well. I know I did. The author did a wonderful job continuing the story. With magic, romance, and mystery this is sure to make your toes curl.’Night Owl Book Reviews on LADY OF MAGICK

HunterSI-1-MidnightQueenUK

Zeno represents Sylvia Hunter in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Sylvia Hunter’s LADY OF MAGICK unveiled…


HunterSI-2-LadyOfMagickUK

Next January, Allison & Busby are due to publish the second novel in Sylvia Hunter‘s Midnight Queen trilogy — a genre-busting alternative historical adventure, packed with with magic and a dash of romance. Here’s the synopsis LADY OF MAGICK

In her second year of studies at Merlin College, Sophie Marshall struggles with being the only female undergraduate. While this is helped by her husband, Gray’s, invitation to lecture at the University in Din Edin, all is thrown into turmoil when he does not return from a journey to his childhood home in London. Can Sophie, Joanna and their friend Gwendolen Pryce rescue him? Or will Sophie find herself in a far greater crisis than anyone expected that threatens not just Gray, but the entire kingdom?

Allison & Busby published the first novel in the series, THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN (cover below). Here’s just a small selection of reviews the series has received so far…

‘The history of her world is not the usual stuff … If Hunter can be this inventive in her first novel, I can’t wait to see what she does next.’ Marie Brennan, author of the Lady Trent Memoirs, on THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN

‘In THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN, Izzo Hunter pulls from a multitude of mystical tales and myths to create her own magical version of Britain that is both innovative and intriguing. The plot is creative and suspenseful — and never predictable. Your affection for the dynamic heroes will only grow as Hunter’s characters face challenge after unexpected challenge. The MIDNIGHT QUEEN is a novel that readers will be unable to put down.’ RT Book Reviews

‘Entertaining… Sophie and Joanna play central roles, which will delight fans of strong women. Hunter’s charming world, just a few steps off-center of our own, continues to offer many possibilities for future adventure.’ Publishers Weekly on LADY OF MAGICK

‘Another intriguing fantasy set in an alternate history version of Regency-era Europe.’ Library Journal on LADY OF MAGICK

HunterSI-1-MidnightQueenUK

Zeno represents Sylvia Hunter in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Sylvia Hunter’s THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN Out Today in the UK!


HunterSI-1-MidnightQueenUK

Sylvia Hunter‘s debut novel, THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN, is out today in the UK! Published by Allison & Busby, it is the first in the Midnight Queen series. Here’s the synopsis…

Gray Marshall’s Britain is a fragmented kingdom of many tongues, many gods and many magics. But all that concerns Gray is returning as soon as possible to his studies at Merlin College, Oxford and setting right the nightmare that has seen him disgraced and banished to his tutor’s home.

Sophie Callender may not have magic herself and a father who forbids his daughters a magical education, but her bookish rebellion and growing friendship with Gray are the first steps of a journey. A journey that will involve them in a conspiracy at the heart of the kingdom and into the legend of a young queen who vanished without a trace years before.

Sylvia Hunter has created a world that is both only slightly different and a far cry from the England we know of the 1800s, teeming with depth in language, myth and religion that defies easy categorisation. 

The second novel in the series, LADY OF MAGICK, is also forthcoming from Allison & Busby (January 2017). We’ll share the cover here in a couple of weeks! THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN was published in the US in 2014, where the series title is Noctis Magicae. A third novel, A SEASON OF SPELLS, is also forthcoming. Here’s some of the great things reviewers and peers have said and written about the novel…

‘Hunter does a splendid job of confounding my expectations [and] … THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN keeps taking fresh turns. A fresh and inventive historical novel… I can’t wait to see what Sylvia Izzo Hunter does next.’Marie Brennan

‘In THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN, Hunter pulls from a multitude of mystical tales and myths to create her own magical version of Britain that is both innovative and intriguing. The plot is creative and suspenseful — and never predictable. Your affection for the dynamic heroes will only grow as Hunter’s characters face challenge after unexpected challenge. THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN is a novel that readers will be unable to put down.’RT Book Reviews

‘Elegantly written, fast-paced and highly original – a stunning story of magic, scholarship, and true love. Sylvia Izzo Hunter brings both rural Brittany and an alternative Regency England to vivid life. A remarkably assured debut.’Juliet Marillier

‘A well-balanced blend of fantasy with a historical fiction-type setting, overlaid with a story laced with a heavy dose of the kind of chaste, slow-burn romance one might find in a traditional Regency novel… THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN is a very beautiful, very atmospheric novel about young love.’Bibliosanctum

‘A powerfully atmospheric novel…’Bookworm Blues

‘A great fantasy… THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN sets up a storyline with intrigue, magic and romance… a really fun ride.’Seattle Geekly

Zeno represents Sylvia Hunter in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.

Cover & Details: THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN by Sylvia Hunter


HunterSI-1-MidnightQueenUK-Blog

This August, Allison & Busby are due to publish Sylvia Hunter‘s THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN. The first in the author’s alternative history series, here’s the synopsis…

Gray Marshall’s Britain is a fragmented kingdom of many tongues, many gods and many magics. But all that concerns Gray is returning as soon as possible to his studies at Merlin College, Oxford and setting right the nightmare that has seen him disgraced and banished to his tutor’s home.

Sophie Callender may not have magic herself and a father who forbids his daughters a magical education, but her bookish rebellion and growing friendship with Gray are the first steps of a journey. A journey that will involve them in a conspiracy at the heart of the kingdom and into the legend of a young queen who vanished without a trace years before.

Sylvia Hunter has created a world that is both only slightly different and a far cry from the England we know of the 1800s, teeming with depth in language, myth and religion that defies easy categorisation.

The novel is published in the US by Ace Books, who have also published the sequel LADY OF MAGICK. Here’s a sample of the great reviews the series has received so far…

‘Hunter does a splendid job of confounding my expectations… keeps taking fresh turns. A fresh and inventive historical novel… I can’t wait to see what Sylvia Izzo Hunter does next.’Marie Brennan, author of A NATURAL HISTORY OF DRAGONS

‘In THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN, Izzo Hunter pulls from a multitude of mystical tales and myths to create her own magical version of Britain that is both innovative and intriguing. The plot is creative and suspenseful — and never predictable. Your affection for the dynamic heroes will only grow as Hunter’s characters face challenge after unexpected challenge. THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN is a novel that readers will be unable to put down.’RT Book Reviews

‘A well-balanced blend of fantasy with a historical fiction-type setting, overlaid with a story laced with a heavy dose of the kind of chaste, slow-burn romance one might find in a traditional Regency novel… THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN is a very beautiful, very atmospheric novel about young love.’Bibliosanctum

Zeno represensts Sylvia Hunter in the UK and Commonwealth, on behalf of the JABberwocky Literary Agency in New York.