Turns of fate

In this sprawling series opener, Bishop (the Black Jewels series) crafts an entertaining and sometimes brutal tale of magic, mystery, and mischief. Shortly after Junior Detective Beth Fahey is assigned to the Penwych police's 13th precinct special investigations team, she's tapped for an unusual case involving a magical gun. The inquiry sends her across the Fate River to the Isle of Wyrd to search for answers with the Arcana, the Isle's enigmatic, fae-like inhabitants who believe that bargains are sacrosanct, intentions have power, and nothing comes free. Swiftly entangled in the doings of the mythical and mysterious, Beth discovers her presence among the Arcana is no accident, and her destiny rests in the hands of their Sorcerer King, Lucas Frost. Meanwhile, a series of intertwined disappearances and deaths create tension between the Arcana and their human visitors, building to a crisis point. Over multiple perspectives, Bishop dwells on themes of escaping abuse, finding freedom, and determining one's destiny. There's a fairy tale morality at play: those who embrace cruelty or ignore warnings tend to experience horrible fates, while those seeking peace or safety are offered opportunities for healing and sanctuary. Subtle in its magic if not its messaging, this is a thought-provoking work. Agent: Jennifer Jackson, Donald Maass Literary. (Nov.)

The Isle of Wyrd is a place where mundanes can supposedly safely meet the uncanny. Whenever humans disobey the rules, however, Precinct 13 goes out to clean up the mess and pick up the bodies. Not every cop can hack the isle, but newcomer Beth Fahey feels like she's come home--and the Arcane who control the isle are sure she's theirs. They also believe that the influence of her past--and theirs--is going to kick off a deadly confrontation on both sides of the Fate River between humans who think the rules don't apply to them and primeval forces who can't be influenced, bribed, or bought--only appeased. Bishop's ("Black Jewels" books) series opener is a story of fate, truth, and consequences, compelling in its description of a world where humans are not in charge yet still have the hubris to believe they are, and where the wild, the weird, and the wonderful are forces that demand obedience and responsibility, as seen through the eyes of a determined investigator who can see both sides of a seemingly insurmountable divide. VERDICT Highly recommended for lovers of dark fantasy and weird urban fantasy, especially fans of Bishop's "World of the Others" series.--Marlene Harris