Meet Katherine Talbert, 16 year old daughter of a country family,summoned to her mad Uncle Tremontaine's wealthy city home in exchange for payment of her parents' debts. Her capricious, powerful uncle has her dressed as a man and trained as a swordsman. With the help of Marcus, the Duke's personal assistant, Katherine immerses herself in the city's intrigues, love affairs and power struggles, using her hard-won sword skills to avenge wrong. Kushner creates a believable, detailed, decadent society that will remind you of an 18th century European city when women had their place and men controlled wealth, power and politics. The strong characters and lively plot will keep you reading this delicious fantasy novel that was nominated for the Nebula Award.