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Way of the Argosi by Sebastien de Castell    (Reviewed by STELLA}  Our favourite heroine has a book all of her own. In the 'Spellslinger' series, Kellen meets Ferius Parfax — a traveller across all the kingdoms and a smooth-talking card shark with a bit of magic and several packs of cards. One set standard representing the kingdoms of Eldrasia, the other steel-edged weaponry and the most mysterious the highly illustrated Argosi cards. How and why Ferius became an Argosi is told in this prequel and you will love it, whether you are a 'Spellslinger' fan yet or not. This is a great starting point to the series or, if you have already followed Kellen on his adventures, then this is just absolutely the best bonus. We meet our heroine as a young child of the Mahdek hiding in a cave as her family and clan are killed by mages from the Jan’Tep territories in a centuries-old blood feud. Certain she will be found, she is awaiting her death, only to be whisked away by a couple underground through a network of tunnels. Adopted by the kind and generous Lord Gervais and Lady Rosarite, noble knights, the young girl learns to duel and starts on her education in a small quiet village. But harbouring a Mahdek child is a dangerous exercise and it’s not too long until the Jan’tep mages track her down slaughtering those who protect her. The child becomes an experiment for the mages — an extension of their magic and how far they can push into another’s mind. Turned out into the world after weeks of spells and markings (controlling bindings) left on her, the girl attempts to make her way. But finding her way is no easy task and this tale, Way of the Argosi, is a trial and error journey. We start with the Way of the Knight and the influence of her nobles on her life, honour and bravery, but this can not save her nor feed her. The Way of the Thief might work better. Seemingly righteous —  balancing the scales of power and inequality — yet greed is not her thing and the pull of the mage’s magic is taking its toll and turning those in whom she has found a small sense of home against her. It is not until she meets the wandering philosopher Durral Brown that her fortunes will change. He’s also known as The Way of the Wandering Thistle — a true Argosi, and here is where our story really begins. Ferius will find her name, find her maetri (teacher) and face her enemies with wit, courage and trust in Durral Brown. She will learn the arts of the Argosi — without realising she knows them — the only way. Arta Valar, Arta Eres, Arta Forteize, Arta Loquit, Arta Precis, Arta Siva and Arta Tuco. 'Spellslinger' is a great series, with wit, danger, daring and love set in the fascinating world of the Seven Kingdoms. It’s full to the brim with playful language, compelling characters and spirited incidents. In Way of the Argosi, we are introduced more deeply to this world. The mysterious Ferius Parfax’s story was just waiting to be told. And there is more to come — Fall of the Argosi follows later this year.