Books like Vallista by Steven Brust

Vlad Taltos, a human of humble origins living among the long‑lived Dragaerans, has carved a life in House Jhereg, the clan who rule organized crime in the empire. When the Jhereg decide he is dead‑worthy, he becomes a fugitive, hunted by a deadly network that spans the highborn society. Vlad’s dangerous and tumultuous journey is marked by allies such as an undead wizard and other powerful figures, but his safety remains uncertain as long as the Jhereg keep a price on his head. For years, Vlad’s path has intersected with Devera, a small Dragaeran girl whose enigmatic abilities and uncanny timing keep appearing at crucial moments. Now she leads Vlad to a seemingly abandoned manor overlooking the Great Sea, a labyrinthine structure with corridors that loop back on themselves and rooms that overlook other worlds. Inside, secrets may finally reveal answers to questions Vlad has carried for years, though Devera’s habit of disappearing mid‑conversation could jeopardise the mysteries she helps unlock.

First publish date: 2017