Trained as a spy since childhood, Issanka uses her powers over light and sound in service of the higher castes.
A caste-less urchin herself, Issanka knows she must be careful never to get too involved in citizen business. But when the newly crowned King sends an army to tour the country, Issanka no longer has a choice.
The journey will take her to a city of wealth and mystery, where the line between castes is no longer clear, and where Issanka must step out of the shadows if she is to survive.
About the Author
Gabrielle Davis is a fantasy author and sometimes-lawyer who lives in Brisbane (Meanjin) with her partner and someday-dog. A passionate linguist, Gabrielle's pursuit of Spanish, French, and Japanese led her to a number of long-term exchanges and international travel. Until a trip to Marseille in France unlocked her fantasy world, Gabrielle's only publications were the academic kind. The manuscript for her first novel, Road to Freedom, placed fourth in the Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize 2021 and third in the same competition the following year.
Industry Reviews
'Well written and gripping from beginning to end. If you're searching for magic, intrigue, excellent world-building and a protagonist who kicks butt then you've found the right book!' Khaiah Thomson, author of the Blackwood series; 'Davis has mastered the art of world-building by weaving clear and subtle description into the heart of the story's action. With a compelling plot and a well-crafted power system, this fantastical world feels as real as our own. Beautiful descriptions and lyrical language grounds readers in a vivid world. Filled with multifaceted characters that are easy to empathise with. The notion of 'found family' is a core part of the novel considering the protagonist is an orphan. This is one of my favourite tropes to read, given the emotional warmth and excitement that infuses it. Making it even easier to fall into these characters' arms is the dialogue, which comes out as fresh and natural from each characters' lips. As a massive fantasy lover, I found Road to Freedom to be a thrilling story which adds to the genre in exciting ways. I particularly enjoyed reading and learning about the protagonist's magical gift which draws from science in a unique way. With high stakes, bubbling tension, and loveable characters, this story is not one to miss.' Maddi Clarke, Reviewer
