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The Castle and the Cloister
  • Published: 4 September 2026
  • ISBN: 9781529958461
  • Imprint: Del Rey
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 448
  • RRP: $59.99

The Castle and the Cloister

Formats & editions
Tr. Paperback
4 Aug 2026
EBook
4 Aug 2026
Audiobook
4 Aug 2026
Hardback
4 Sept 2026
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The first book in a compelling political fantasy duology, for fans of The Priory of the Orange Tree and the Farseer trilogy.

Two centuries ago, the kingdom of Honoria’s goddesses were silenced in blood. Now, as the realm’s fragile peace falters, the whims of a king may reignite the engines of war.

At the last remaining cloister of the sun goddess, a young postulant seeks safety for her child but discovers that sanctuary comes at a heavy price. In the castle on the mountain, a queen treads a knife’s edge between loyalty and betrayal, desperate to shape a gentler future. And deep in the mountain’s heart, a blinded priest waits in the darkness, biding his time…

Together, they will risk the wrath of gods and kings – and decide the fate of a kingdom.
  • Published: 4 September 2026
  • ISBN: 9781529958461
  • Imprint: Del Rey
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 448
  • RRP: $59.99

About the author

Laura E. Weymouth

Laura E. Weymouth is a lifelong writer who lives at the edge of the woods in western New York, on a small farm populated with chickens, goats, children, cats, and one very spoiled border collie. She writes critically acclaimed fantasy novels for teens and adults, including The Light Between Worlds (HarperTeen), Steel & Spellfire (McElderry Books), and the Daughters of Light duology (Saga Press and Del Rey UK).
LE.

Praise for The Castle and the Cloister

At once achingly sweet and lavishly dark, Weymouth deftly weaves a tale of war, love, sacrifice and devotion. Add in poignant portrayals of motherhood and faith, and The Castle and the Cloister brings something truly human and honest to the adult fantasy landscape.

H. M. Long, author of Dark Water Daughter

An absolute triumph of a book – Weymouth expertly blends politics, romance, and deep, profound meditations on motherhood in an intricate tale that deserves to be next to the classics. A new favorite book from one of my favorite writers.

Hannah Whitten, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Foxglove King

An absolute masterpiece. Lush and immersive, The Castle and the Cloister transports readers to a rich, layered world brimming with intrigue, betrayal, and an unforgettable cast of complex characters.

Heather Walter, author of Malice and The Crimson Crown

Weymouth imbues her characters with complex inner lives, caught between missions and desires, making their struggles to control their fates all the more compelling. A demanding, handsomely rewarding read.

David West, SFX

Thrilling... Weymouth’s focus on two young mothers in a genre that often overlooks such characters adds emotional weight to the expertly plotted political machinations. Readers will be eager for more.

Publishers Weekly

This is one of those ‘love at first sentence’ books for me… The Castle & the Cloister is for those of us who love that really intense second-world fantasy – warring territories, old gods and new, and lots of characters all tangled in a web of political machinations and emotional bonds.

Christina Orlando, Reactor Magazine

Compelling and intriguing! Filled with fascinating politics and immersive worldbuilding, this character-rich saga will mesmerize you!

Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop

An absolute masterpiece. Lush and immersive, The Castle and the Cloister transports readers to a rich, layered world brimming with intrigue, betrayal, and an unforgettable cast of complex characters.

Heather Walter, author of Malice and The Crimson Crown