City of Storms

· Nightmarked Book 1 · Acorn
34 reviews
Ebook
485
Pages
Tools
Eligible

About this ebook

**Winner of the 2002 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal for Magic & Wizardry!**


A city simmering with repressed urges…

A fallen angel bent on chaos…

And a conspiracy that could destroy them all.

Can one woman harness her own psychic power to stop it?

In a world with three layers of ever darker magic, few dare to wield the most dangerous. And those who try can fall prey to violent madness.

The Church keeps a tight leash on its citizens. It tests every child for psychological deviancy.

If you pass, you're given a Mark. A tattoo that lets you use the ley power—and shields you from your most primal desires.

For the lucky ones, the world is at their feet. The rest suffer a life of menial jobs and hopelessness.

When tarot reader Kasia crosses paths with a young priest who hunts deviants, her own ugly secret is dragged into the light. Will they learn to trust each other in time to stop a greater evil from corrupting their world?

You’ll love the first book in this epic fantasy series because the lush weaving of intrigue, action and slow-burn romance will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Get it now.

Praise for City of Storms

“Richly textured and fabulously conceived. Ross drapes a tense political thriller in a trench coat of dark fantasy. Readers should expect the unexpected.” –Kirkus Reviews

"I’m not prone to bouts of effusiveness but I couldn’t gush enough about Kat Ross’s books, I enjoy them so much. This one has a Slavic feel, which was really interesting to me, and I loved the rainy city of Novostopol (also the map illustration is gorgeous). Added to the unique setting and fantasy elements are Ross’s usual mix of great characters, a twisty-turny plot, romance and a touch of humour. I already can’t wait for Book 2!” –Evelyn, Goodreads

"I loved the setting, which is technologically advanced yet progress is suppressed - it gave it a 1930's noir feel. I'd compare it favourably to the 'tsarpunk' of the Grishaverse. Relatable characters and fast-paced and well-thought-out action drive this story along and have me eagerly awaiting the sequel." –A. Adler, Goodreads

“A masterpiece of magical fantasy which mixes its unique concepts into the darkest psychology of the human mind and its most base physical desires and emotions. Action, excitement, and darkness in all the right places. An unmissable and original read.” –K.C. Finn for Readers Favorite, 5 Stars

“A rousing adventure [and] skillful fusion of history, fantasy, and religion. It contains word paintings with arresting beauty and a three-dimensional character that is torn between duty and loyalty. I definitely recommend City of Storms for its unique twists, turns, and brilliant storyline.” –Vincent Dublado for Readers Favorite, 5 Stars

**Winner of the 2002 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal for Magic & Wizardry!** A city simmering with repressed urges… A fallen angel bent on chaos… And a conspiracy that could destroy them all. Can one woman harness her own psychic power to stop it? In a world with three layers of ever darker magic, ...

Discover more

Ratings and reviews

34 reviews
Roma C (Roma Z)
August 22, 2026
this author is a genuine artist and a true professional. wonderful use of vocabulary. excellent editing. Great story and characters. a pleasure to read. thank you!
Did you find this helpful?
Kylie
September 3, 2026
I loved this different take on a fantasy tale!! Kat Ross is fast becoming one of my new favourites 👍🫶
Did you find this helpful?
Valeta Bridgewater
October 8, 2022
detailed alternate world involving magic, conspiracies, evil and hope
Did you find this helpful?

About the author

Kat Ross worked as a journalist at the United Nations for ten years before happily falling back into what she likes best: making stuff up. She's the author of the Lingua Magika trilogy, the Fourth Element and Fourth Talisman historical fantasies, the Gaslamp Gothic mysteries, and the dystopian thriller Some Fine Day. She loves myths, monsters and doomsday scenarios. 

Kat Ross worked as a journalist at the United Nations for ten years before happily falling back into what she likes best: making stuff up. She's the author of the Lingua Magika trilogy, the Fourth Element and Fourth Talisman historical fantasies, the Gaslamp Gothic mysteries, and the dystopian th...

Rate this ebook

Tell us what you think.

Reading information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.