Online FrankTALK with Sam Hawke

The eagerly awaited sequel to City of Lies is here!

Continuing the epic tale begun in the multi-award-winning City of Lies - a thrilling story of subterfuge and treachery and wild and ancient magic, Hollow Empire is the brilliant new fantasy novel from acclaimed and multi-award winning author, Sam Hawke.

You never get used to poisoning a child.

Two years after a devastating siege tore the country apart, Silasta has recovered. But to the frustration of poison-taster siblings Jovan and Kalina, sworn to protect the Chancellor, the city has grown complacent in its new-found peace and prosperity.

And now, amid the celebrations of the largest carnival the continent has ever seen, it seems a mysterious enemy has returned.

The death of a former adversary sets Jovan on the trail of a cunning killer, while Kalina negotiates the treacherous politics of visiting dignitaries, knowing that this vengeful mastermind may lurk among the princes and dukes, noble ladies and priests. But their investigations uncover another conspiracy which now threatens not just Silasta and the Chancellor but also their own family.

Assassins, witches and a dangerous criminal network are all closing in. And brother and sister must once more fight to save their city - and everyone they hold dear - from a patient, powerful enemy determined to tear it all down.

A lawyer by training and the holder of a black belt in jujitsu, Sam Hawke lives in Canberra. Her first novel was the acclaimed and multi-award-winning City of Lies. This won Australia's premier genre prize - the Aurealis Award, plus two Ditmar Awards and was joint-winner of the Norma K. Hemming Award. The 'Poison War' duology will conclude with Hollow Empire.

Please join us for this FrankTALK with Sam Hawke via Zoom.