Description
Book SynopsisThe Emperor is dead. Long live the Empire.
General Bordan has a lifetime of duty and sacrifice behind him in the service of the Empire. But with rebellion brewing in the countryside, and assassins, thieves and politicians vying for power in the city, it is all Bordan can do to protect the heir to the throne.
Apprentice Magician Kyron was assigned to the late Emperor’s honour guard escorting his body on the long road back to the capital.
But even a magician’s power may fail when enemies emerge from the forests intent on seizing their precious cargo.
Whoever controls the Emperor’s body, controls the Empire...
Trade Review“The plot’s surprising twists and turns will wow fantasy fans.” -- Publishers Weekly
* Publishers Weekly *
"Matthews delivers visceral descriptions of battle, the cut and thrust of gladius and pila, the shouldering of shields, the smell of blood and fear – and weaving through this, the delicate nets of magical constructs that can still snap, inflame or explode." -- The Fantasy Hive
* The Fantasy Hive *
"This is fantasy at its finest." -- Grimdark Magazine
* Grimdark Magazine *
“Refreshingly original” -- SFX Magazine
* SFX *
"Matthews delivers on the bigger picture stakes" -- British Fantasy Society
* British Fantasy Society *
"It's exciting at every turn with a wonderfully spun plot that keeps you guessing the entire time." -- FanFi Addict
* Fanfiaddict *
"A cracking read that will burn the candle in the night." -- Aurealis
* Aurealis *
"Older teens and adults will enjoy the novel’s political intrigue and struggle to survive, which are reminiscent of George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones or a slightly less fantastical version of Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera series." -- Library Journal
* The Library Journal *
"A magnificent, thoughtful, highly readable account, full of political intrigue and dripping with potent, dark atmosphere. This is a must read for fantasy fans who enjoy political machinations." -- Bookworm Blues
* Bookworm Blues *
“It has all the elements you expect from fantasy: magic, battles, power-struggles and impossible odds keeping you gripped.” -- A Rambling Reviewer
* A Rambling Reviewer *
“It’s been a long time since a book made me swear out loud in horror... This is a story about politics, faith, betrayal and the loss of innocence, and I for one will be eagerly looking forward to a sequel.” -- Set the Tape
* Set the Tape *
