Funerals are usually the end of the story, not the beginning. Newly graduated warrior-mages Toria Connor and Kane Nalamas find themselves the last remaining mages in the city when a mage school teacher mysteriously falls ill and dies. But taking over the school themselves isn't in the cards. They're set to become professional mercenaries-if they make it through the next 18 months as journeymen first. The debate over whether to hunt mutated monsters in the Wasteland or take posh bodyguard jobs is put on hold when a city elder hires them to solve the mystery of the disappearing mages. Toria and Kane's quest brings them to the British colonial city of New Angouleme, where their initial investigation reveals that the problem is even greater than they feared. But when a friend is kidnapped, they'll have to travel to the other side of the globe to save her, save themselves, and save magic itself. "In this return to Gribble's unique world-blend of fantasy and alternate history, readers will relish the compelling portrayal of magic and the sometimes easy-going, sometimes sexy, sometimes heart-wrenching tests of the warrior-mage bond." -Jen Brooks, In a World Just Right "Well-written and a fun read, Steel Magic by J.L. Gribble is filled with mystery, sacrifice, and challenges that will keep you turning the pages until the very end." -Jennifer Brozek, Never Let Me Sleep