~ Hardcover

The Dictator is dead; long live the Republic, but whose Republic will it be?  As senators, generals, and elemental mages vie for the power to shape the future of the city of Aven Latona of the Vitelliae (a mage of Spirit and Fire who has suppressed her phenomenal talents for fear they would draw unwanted attention from unscrupulous men) may now have an opportunity to seize a greater destiny as a protector of the people, if only she can find the courage to try . . . 

The first book of the 'Aven Cycle', From Unseen Fire is a unique and well-studied historical fantasy set in an alternate Rome, where ambition is a driving force and magic is real.

"Morris’ epic-fantasy debut melds Roman history and elemental magic into a spellbinding tale of political machinations.  The combination of history, dark and light magic, family, political and religious rivalry, and military conflicts will draw readers from many genres." -- Booklist