The Ruthless Lady's Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner

Penguin (Cornerstone). Paperback. NEW. Dellaria Wells, a woman of many talents and questionable morals, found herself in a dire situation. Behind on her rent and desperate for a solution, she embarked on a journey that would forever change her life. Leiscourt, a bustling city filled with secrets and danger, became Dellaria's new home. In a stroke of luck, she managed to talk her way into a guard job, joining a team of unconventional women tasked with protecting an aristocrat from unseen assassins. It seemed like an opportunity for easy money and perhaps even a chance at romance with her confident companion, Winn. However, Dellaria knew better than to expect anything in her life to go according to plan. As Dellaria settled into her new role, she quickly realized that her team was far from ordinary. Alongside her, there was a necromancer, capable of communing with the dead, a shapeshifting schoolgirl with mysterious abilities, and a reanimated mouse named Buttons. Together, they formed an unlikely alliance, each bringing their unique skills to the table. Their mission to protect the aristocrat took an unexpected turn when they discovered that their adversary wielded a twisted form of magic. This adversary, with friends in the highest of places, posed a formidable threat to Dellaria and her companions. They would need to rely on their wit, resourcefulness, and the strength of their bond to overcome the challenges that lay ahead. Dellaria, with her sharp tongue and quick thinking, became the heart of the team. Her past as a petty con artist and occasional thief gave her a unique perspective, allowing her to anticipate the moves of their enemies. She was no stranger to deception and manipulation, skills that proved invaluable in their fight against the unseen assassins. Winn, Dellaria's confident companion, provided a steady presence amidst the chaos. His unwavering loyalty and unwavering belief in Dellaria's abilities gave her the strength to push forward, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Their budding romance added a layer of complexity to their dynamic, as they navigated the treacherous waters of their mission while also exploring their feelings for each other. But it was the other members of their team who truly made the difference. The necromancer, with her ability to communicate with the dead, provided invaluable information and guidance. The shapeshifting schoolgirl, with her mysterious powers, proved to be a formidable ally in their battles. And Buttons, the reanimated mouse, may have been small in size but played a crucial role in their success. Together, Dellaria and her team faced countless challenges, each one more dangerous than the last. They fought against not only their adversaries but also the corrupt system that allowed such darkness to thrive. In their quest for justice, they uncovered secrets that shook the very foundations of Leiscourt, forcing them to question everything they thought they knew. In the end, Dellaria and her companions emerged victorious, but not without scars. Their journey had tested their limits, both physically and emotionally. They had witnessed the true extent of human cruelty and the lengths people would go to protect their own interests. But they had also discovered the power of friendship, love, and the strength that comes from standing together in the face of adversity. Dellaria Wells, the petty con artist turned guard, had come a long way. Her life had been forever changed by the events in Leiscourt, and she had found a purpose greater than herself. With her newfound allies by her side, she was ready to face whatever challenges awaited her in the future, knowing that together, they could overcome anything.