Book excerpt: Enjoy Viper and Steel, book three in Guilds of Ilbrea, a new epic fantasy series by Young Adult author Megan O'Russell. Prisoner. Traitor. Murderer. Thief. The fate of Ilbrea has fallen into unlikely hands. As lethal forces converge on Ilara, the path chosen by the Karron clan will have consequences that can’t be undone. A love that will be lost forever. A vow that can’t be broken. A magic that was born of myths. A death that will shape the coming battle. The bond between the Guilds has been broken, and powerful enemies have been unleashed. Will the cost of freedom be steeper than the Karron clan can endure? *** Guilds of Ilbrea is an epic fantasy series filled with unrequited love, elemental magic, and assassins. Written with the fast-pace Megan O’Russell’s young adult, paranormal romance readers love, this series features a unique system of magic and sorcery and a representation of girls and women in fantasy that passes the Bechdel test. Have a certain niche/trope you love? Guilds of Ilbrea offers: Siblings, orphans and foster homes, runaways, caste systems that emphasize class differences and oppression, and representation of LGBT characters. Viper and Steel is also available in paperback. *** Viper and Steel is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Elise Kova, Kay L Moody, Sarah M. Cradit, W. J. May, Laini Taylor, Sara C. Roethle, Bridget E. Baker, and Jennifer Anne Davis.