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Table of Contents
About The Book
"An absolute triumph—Weymouth expertly blends politics, romance, and deep, profound meditations on motherhood into an intricate tale." —Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author
The Priory of the Orange Tree meets Black Sun in the thrilling launch of a political fantasy duology following three people—a refugee, a heretic queen, and a priest—as they attempt to shape the fortunes of a continent shattered by war.
Two centuries ago, the Inver clan conquered the nation of Honoria, ushering in an era of blood. Now, after a period of fragile peace, a king’s whims may reignite the engines of war.
At the last stronghold of Honoria’s sun goddess, Fia, a young postulant, seeks safety for her child, but the price of the cloister’s protection will tear her from what she loves most and thrust her into a deadly game of deception.
Within the Inver’s mountain fortress, Ariana is known as the apostate queen after abandoning her faith for a king. But old loyalties aren’t easily severed. Ariana treads a dangerous path, striving for peace in a court made for conquest.
And deep in the heart of the mountain, the Inver Priest bides his time with small acts of rebellion. Blinded in the fight for the throne, he harbors a bitter grudge—one that could lead to Honoria’s ruin or renewal.
Amid a landscape of enemies, allies, and intrigue, three lives intertwine. Each will have to risk the wrath of gods and kings to alter the course of nations.
"At once achingly sweet and lavishly dark, Weymouth deftly weaves a tale of war, love, sacrifice and devotion." —H. M. Long
The Daughters of Light
The Castle & the Cloister
The Priory of the Orange Tree meets Black Sun in the thrilling launch of a political fantasy duology following three people—a refugee, a heretic queen, and a priest—as they attempt to shape the fortunes of a continent shattered by war.
Two centuries ago, the Inver clan conquered the nation of Honoria, ushering in an era of blood. Now, after a period of fragile peace, a king’s whims may reignite the engines of war.
At the last stronghold of Honoria’s sun goddess, Fia, a young postulant, seeks safety for her child, but the price of the cloister’s protection will tear her from what she loves most and thrust her into a deadly game of deception.
Within the Inver’s mountain fortress, Ariana is known as the apostate queen after abandoning her faith for a king. But old loyalties aren’t easily severed. Ariana treads a dangerous path, striving for peace in a court made for conquest.
And deep in the heart of the mountain, the Inver Priest bides his time with small acts of rebellion. Blinded in the fight for the throne, he harbors a bitter grudge—one that could lead to Honoria’s ruin or renewal.
Amid a landscape of enemies, allies, and intrigue, three lives intertwine. Each will have to risk the wrath of gods and kings to alter the course of nations.
"At once achingly sweet and lavishly dark, Weymouth deftly weaves a tale of war, love, sacrifice and devotion." —H. M. Long
The Daughters of Light
The Castle & the Cloister
About The Author
Laura E. Weymouth
Laura E. Weymouth is the author of several novels, including the critically acclaimed The Light Between Worlds, A Treason of Thorns, A Rush of Wings, A Consuming Fire, and The Voice Upstairs. Born and raised in the Niagara region of Ontario, Laura now lives at the edge of the woods in western New York with her husband, three wild-hearted daughters, and an ever-expanding menagerie of animal friends. Learn more at LauraEWeymouth.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: S&S/Saga Press (August 4, 2026)
- Length: 448 pages
- ISBN13: 9781668069677
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Raves and Reviews
"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, New York Times bestselling author of The Foxglove King
"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 & the Cloister transports readers to a rich, layered world brimming with intrigue, betrayal, and an unforgettable cast of complex characters--especially its women. At its heart, The Castle & the Cloister is a fierce examination of the price of power and the lengths we're willing to go to wield it. Weymouth bounds onto the epic fantasy stage with a roar."
– Heather Walter, author of Malice and The Crimson Crown
“At once achingly sweet and lavishly dark, Weymouth deftly weaves a tale of war, love, sacrifice and devotion. The Castle and the Cloister brings something truly human and honest to the adult fantasy landscape.”
– H. M. Long, author of Dark Water Daughter
Previous praise for Laura Weymouth:
“Weymouth’s prose is lush and evocative, filled with palpable descriptions and compelling mystery… Spellbinding.” —Kirkus on A Treason of Thorns
"Moody and atmospheric, with beautifully descriptive images, this is fantasy and magic at its best.” —Shelf Awareness on A Treason of Thorns
"With lush prose and an eye for atmospheric detail, Weymouth adeptly spins a tale in which the heroine is torn between passion and purpose, destruction and duty." —Publishers Weekly (starred review) on A Treason of Thorns
"Laura Weymouth’s storytelling is unmatched." —Aleksandra Ross, author of Don't Call the Wolf on A Rush of Wings
"Weymouth spins magic and whimsy like she was born of it." —Lauren Blackwood, author of Within These Wicked Walls on A Rush of Wings
Resources and Downloads
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Castle & the Cloister
eBook 9781668069677
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