M.A. Carrick

M.A. Carrick is the joint pen name of authors Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms, who collaborate on fantasy novels. Their primary work is The Rook and Rose trilogy, which began with The Mask of Mirrors in 2021. The writing partnership combines Brennan's background in anthropology and folklore with Helms' experience in gaming and mythology. Both authors have previously published works independently under their own names. Under the M.A. Carrick name, they have created a complex fantasy world featuring con artists, political intrigue, and magic systems based on pattern divination and masked identities. The Rook and Rose trilogy continued with The Liar's Knot in 2021 and concluded with The Nobleman's Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks in 2023. The authors chose the pen name M.A. Carrick as a reference to the magician's term "carrick bend," a type of knot that symbolizes their collaborative partnership. Their work frequently explores themes of deception, identity, and power dynamics in fantasy settings.

Readers highlight the intricate worldbuilding and complex magic systems in The Rook and Rose trilogy. Many note the detailed political intrigue and layered character relationships, with several reviews comparing the complexity to Game of Thrones but on a more intimate scale. Readers appreciated: - Rich cultural details and fashion descriptions - LGBTQ+ representation - The con artist plotlines - Character dynamics and relationship development Common criticisms: - Slow pacing, especially in first 200 pages - Multiple POV characters can be hard to track - Some find the political plots overly complicated Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - The Mask of Mirrors: 4.0/5 (6,000+ ratings) - The Liar's Knot: 4.2/5 (2,000+ ratings) - The Nobleman's Guide: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon averages 4.3/5 across the trilogy, with readers frequently praising the "elaborate fantasy world" while noting the books "require patience and attention to detail."

The Mask of Mirrors (2021) A con artist infiltrates a noble house in a fantasy Venice-inspired city where pattern magic and masked vigilantes shape the political landscape.

The Liar's Knot (2021) Con artist Ren's schemes grow more complex as she becomes entangled in magical conspiracies and criminal enterprises while maintaining multiple false identities.

The Nobleman's Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks (2023) The final installment follows the mounting tensions between noble houses, crime lords, and magical forces as secrets and deceptions come to a head in Nadežra.

K.J. Parker writes fantasy novels focused on economic and political systems, featuring protagonists who execute elaborate schemes and cons. The books contain detailed worldbuilding with minimal traditional magic, instead emphasizing human ingenuity and manipulation.

Robert Jackson Bennett creates fantasy worlds with complex political structures and unique magic systems based on specific rules and patterns. His Divine Cities and Founders series both feature characters navigating intrigue and deception within structured magical societies.

Seth Dickinson writes about characters using political maneuvering and careful manipulation to achieve their goals within detailed fantasy worlds. His Masquerade series focuses on economics, power dynamics, and the costs of political transformation.

V.E. Schwab develops intricate magic systems and parallel worlds where characters navigate complex identities and political intrigue. Her Shades of Magic series features con artists and thieves operating within structured magical societies.

Django Wexler combines military fantasy with political manipulation and spycraft in his works. His Shadow Campaigns series features characters working through layers of deception while dealing with both magical and political power structures.