Tower of Cards

Almost half a century has passed since prison ships discovered the mysterious Tower rising out of the Indian Ocean, known as Gaia. Monarchies and trading giants built a city around it to contain the monsters spilling from its rune-covered structure, and the few who dared enter learned the magic of Gaia's runic cards. Most people enter the Tower seeking fame, fortune, or power. Not Diya Sen — he climbs hoping to find clues about his missing brother. The warring noble houses stand in his way, but perhaps the talents of a Spell Thief will succeed where the direct approach cannot.

Time is running out. Alexander Boleyn — Diya's dearest friend, surrogate brother, and heir to his noble house — is dying. House Boleyn is on the verge of collapse and has allied with the corrupt House De Lawney, which Diya suspects is responsible for the incident that left Alexander in his current state. A fix for Alexander's condition is within reach, and Diya also has leads on his brother's disappearance. But he needs to hurry — House Boleyn's new heir wants Alexander dead and Diya out of the way, and the De Lawneys intend to capture the only companion Diya can trust.