Childhood rival magicians compete in a tournament while secretly investigating a murder at a Tudor-inspired court full of deception in Court of Venus, a lush romantic fantasy by Bel Banta.
In Alvion, magicians are aligned with one of seven planets. Those aligned with Mercury are gifted with language and communication, those under Venus manipulate desire, and Bianca's exceptionally rare Moonborn transformation abilities are as sought after as they are mysterious. She can alter emotions and shape-shift into animals or other people, but few know the extent of her abilities.
After years of service in a private household, Bianca is summoned by her childhood rival, Roland, back to the court of Alvion for a magicians' tournament to celebrate the coronation of the newest queen. Bianca grew up amid the court's machinations and treachery, alongside the profligate Venusborn Roland and the king's only son, Hal. Now Roland has taken on their executed mentor Prospero's duties as court magician and lord chancellor, and he needs Bianca's help to finally discover the truth behind Hal's death years ago.
Once rivals for Prospero's attention, Roland and Bianca must now work together and use their talents to gather information from an increasingly dangerous court. The more they investigate, the closer they get to each other and the awful truth that altered their lives forever. Fantasy readers who enjoy courtly intrigue, cheeky rivals-to-lovers romance, and Tudor trappings will love Court of Venus. Banta's debut novel is perfect for fans of Holly Race's Six Wild Crowns and Antonia Hodgson's The Raven Scholar. --Suzanne Krohn, librarian