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The Castle and the Cloister

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What to expect

The start of a compelling epic political fantasy duology, for fans of The Priory of the Orange Tree and The Goblin Emperor. 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.

'An absolute triumph... deserves to be next to the classics.'
Hannah Whitten, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Foxglove King

'Transports readers to a rich, layered world brimming with intrigue, betrayal, and an unforgettable cast of complex characters.'
Heather Walter, author of Malice

© Laura E. Weymouth 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

Critics Review

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
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 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.
SFX
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.
Reactor Magazine
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
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
Author Laura E. Weymouth
Narrator Eilidh Beaton, Raphael Corkhill, Alana Kerr Collins, James Meunier
Duration 19 hours and 1 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781804961353
Format Audiobook
Publisher Cornerstone
Genre Epic fantasy / heroic fantasy, Fantasy romance, Narrative theme: Politics
Availability AU, GB, IE

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