Terms of Service by Ciel Pierlot (Paperback)

When a dastardly trickster kidnaps her nephew, Luzia is forced to sell herself into servitude in exchange for his life — but the terms of the deal turn out to be far more complicated than she ever imagined.

Luzia N.E. Drainway never really thought much about the Astrosi. They lurk above and below Bastion City — the giant, multi-levelled megalopolis she calls home — and mostly keep to themselves. On the rare occasions they use their magic to meddle in human affairs, anyone with sense steers well clear of whichever unfortunate soul is their target. Far too dedicated to repairing and maintaining the frequently damaged Bastion to pay them any mind, Luzia ignores the Astrosi like everyone else.

That changes the moment a rogue Astrosi and nefarious trickster named Carrion kidnaps her nephew and sells him to the Eoi, one of the Astrosi courts. With no other way to save him, Luzia trades her own life for his — only to discover, too late, that Astrosi logic bends in ways even the most devious human mind can barely follow. Bound by the most convoluted verbal contract imaginable, she’s effectively conscripted into their ranks, her devotion to her city stretched to breaking point. And as she struggles under the weight of it, she begins to uncover the secrets of the Astrosi themselves: the power struggles between their kingdoms, the endless conflict between them, the trickster who somehow bridges the divide, and the true nature of the Bastion itself.

Perfect for readers who love inventive science-fantasy, tricky magical bargains, sprawling city-worlds and a determined, working-class heroine in over her head.