AustLit

'In the isolated traders’ town of Greystone, two young thieves named Wilt and Higgs scratch out a living on the street. Both have quick minds and even quicker fingers, but Wilt has another weapon: an ability to sink into others’ thoughts, reading them, knowing before they do what action they will take.

'Such power is not easily hidden when the Prefects of Redmondis come through town on a pilgrimage to recruit skilled ones, wielders, those who have an affinity with the secret welds that join all living things.

'For a shadow is spreading across the land, a strange dark power that uses its victims’ fears to drive into their minds and suck their life away. The Nine Sisters of Redmondis sense this threat, and have a prophecy that one will come, one who understands and controls the power of the blood within the stone. One they hope to rule and use for their own ends.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.