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A charming fantasy novella by award-winning Elizabeth Bear, Bone and Jewel Creatures portrays an Arabian Nights tale of wizards, their creations, and a wild child raised by jackals. Bijou the Artificer makes and animates creatures of bone and enchanted jewels that she endows with a form of life to provide needed services. Those she creates for her own use give her loyalty and affection. The creatures she builds on commission for the wealthy provide sufficient income to support all her work.

From back of book: Dark magic is afoot in the City of Jackals...
Eighty years Bijou the Artificer has been a Wizard of Messaline, building her servants from precious scraps, living with the memory of a great love that betrayed her. She is ready to rest.

But now her former apprentice, Brazen the Enchanter, has brought her speechless feral child poisoned by a sorcerous infection. Now, Messaline is swept by a mysterious plague. Now the seeping corpses of the dead stalk the streets.

Now, finally, Bijou's old nemesis--Bijou's old love--Kaulas the Necromancer is unleashing a reeking half-death on Bijou's people. And only Bijou and her creatures wrought of bone and jewels can save the City of jackals form his final revenge.

(Source: Subterranean Press)