"This is a sublime piece of writing that defies easy categorisation. A kind of medieval fantasy with a touch of magic. Incredible world building … reminiscent of Alexandrian libraries, Bedouin caravans and Moroccan souks, there is a sense of a larger and stranger world that is both conveyed and hidden … An extraordinary story."

- Dr Rashida Murphy, 2023 Stuart and Hadow judge

When Samah is tasked with collecting reeds, she expects only a day of relief from her monotonous and somewhat lonely duties as a slave in Tarquin N’Khapha’s library, but when a fey hunting cat catches her attention, possibilities much wilder than that are awakened, for the cat’s master needs her help—and maybe something more. 

Featuring a clever, outspoken slave and a mysterious, ill-tempered nobleman, 'When A Slave Falls' will sweep you into a desert culture both familiar and unique. Immerse yourself in the lush prose and subtle world building, and make your own guess about whether the power imbalance will be overturned.

"When A Slave Falls"

by Cathryn deVries