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The first instalment of a thrilling new epic fantasy trilogy from the rising star of the genre.Led by Loethar, an ambitious and ruthless tyrant, a terrifying army of mercenaries and renegades from the great southern steppes threaten to overwhelm the Kingdom of Penraven, having already overthrown its two neighbouring realms, leaving a trail of devastation and broken lives in their wake.Penraven is Loethar's most desired prize, not only because of its wealth, safe harbour, extensive coastline, and abundant natural resources. This time the tyrant wants more than a crown. Driven by dreams of empire, fuelled by his increasing obsession with magic, Loethar's plan to overthrow King Brennus of Penraven, 9th of the Valisars, was cemented the hour upon when he learned that Brennus possessed the power of coercion. All of the Valisar heirs have been blessed down the ages with the sinister ability to bend people entirely to their will and Loethar is convinced that if he consumes these empowered people he will then be imbued with their skills and magics… and be unstoppable.
A ruthless tyrant seeks to seize the throne of Penraven and consume the magical essence of the royal bloodline to secure his own dominion. King Brennus of the Valisar line must protect his heirs from Loethar, a conqueror whose ambition is matched only by his obsession with the coercive powers inherent in the royal family. As the southern armies advance, the narrative follows the desperate flight of the Valisar survivors who must navigate a world where their own unique abilities make them the ultimate targets. The story unfolds through a high-stakes struggle for survival, emphasizing the physical toll of war and the psychological burden of a lineage defined by the power to command others.
This work is characterized by its focus on the mechanics of epic fantasy, utilizing the trope of the hunted royal family to drive its narrative momentum. The premise suggests a clear distinction between the tactical ambitions of the antagonist and the internal struggles of the Valisar heirs. Readers likely engage with the world-building elements that define the coercive magic system, which serves as the primary catalyst for the central conflict. The narrative structure points toward a traditional high-fantasy framework that prioritizes the escalation of stakes as the kingdom faces total collapse.
Page Count:
469
Publication Date:
2009-01-01
Publisher:
HarperCollins
ISBN-10:
0007287828
ISBN-13:
9780007287826
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