Synopses & Reviews
Erenthrallsprawling city of light and magic, whose streets are packed with traders from a dozen lands and whose buildings and towers are grown and shaped in the space of a day.
At the heart of the city is the Nexus, the hub of a magical ley line system that powers Erenthrall. This ley line also links the city and the Baronial plains to rest of the continent and the world beyond. The Prime Wielders control the Nexus with secrecy and lies, but it is the Baron who controls the Wielders. The Baron also controls the rest of the Baronies through a web of brutal intimidation enforced by his bloodthirsty guardsmen and unnatural assasins.
When the rebel Kormanley seek to destroy the ley system and the Barons chokehold, two people find themselves caught in the chaos that sweeps through Erenthrall and threatens the entire world: Kara Tremain, a young Wielder coming into her power, who discovers the forbidden truth behind the magic that powers the ley lines; and Alan Garrett, a recruit in the Barons guard, who learns that the city holds more mysteries and more danger than he could possibly have imagined . . . and who holds a secret within himself that could mean Erenthralls destruction -- or its salvation.
Review
"
Shattering the Ley, the terrific new fantasy from Joshua Palmatier, is built of equal parts innocence, politics, and treachery. It features
a highly original magic system, and may well be the only fantasy ever written where some of the most exciting scenes take place in a power plant. I couldnt put it down."
—S.C. Butler (for Shattering the Ley)
“Intricate worldbuilding, engaging and complex characters, and a fresh sharp take on magic and politics, Shattering The Ley proves that Joshua Palmatier is definitely a key new voice in original fantasy.”
— Kari Sperring (for Shattering the Ley)
"A vivid, passionate story about a tough-minded heroine fighting for survival. What makes her especially compelling is her own struggle to understand right and wrong, and to confront what necessity can force you to do."
— Kate Elliott (for The Throne of Amenkor series)
"Grips the reader with a swift-moving tale of political intrigue and economic survival in a world where the most dangerous secrets are never forgotten."
— Publishers Weekly (for The Throne of Amenkor series)
“The strength of Palmatier's book lies in Varis. Varis is a bitter girl, hardened by years of living in the Dredge, but she retains a core of humanity.... If you enjoy grittier fantasy, I would recommend picking up The Skewed Throne.”
— Jim Hines (for The Throne of the Amenkor series)
Review
"Compelling...[a] highly promising first novel." -
Locus "Intense...succeeds admirably." - Publishers Weekly
"Keeps the reader on edge." - Richmond Times-Dispatch
Review
"This novel grips the reader with a swift-moving tale of political intrigue and economic survival in a world where the most dangerous secrets are never forgotten." --
Publishers WeeklySynopsis
First book in Joshua Palmatier's new epic fantasy trilogy, set in a sprawling city of light and magic fueled by a ley line network.
Erenthrall sprawling city of light and magic, whose streets are packed with traders from a dozen lands and whose buildings and towers are grown and shaped in the space of a day.
At the heart of the city is the Nexus, the hub of a magical ley line system that powers Erenthrall. This ley line also links the city and the Baronial plains to rest of the continent and the world beyond. The Prime Wielders control the Nexus with secrecy and lies, but it is the Baron who controls the Wielders. The Baron also controls the rest of the Baronies through a web of brutal intimidation enforced by his bloodthirsty guardsmen and unnatural assasins.
When the rebel Kormanley seek to destroy the ley system and the Baron s chokehold, two people find themselves caught in the chaos that sweeps through Erenthrall and threatens the entire world: Kara Tremain, a young Wielder coming into her power, who discovers the forbidden truth behind the magic that powers the ley lines; and Alan Garrett, a recruit in the Baron s guard, who learns that the city holds more mysteries and more danger than he could possibly have imagined . . . and who holds a secret within himself that could mean Erenthrall s destruction -- or its salvation."
Synopsis
One young girl holds the fate of a city in her hands-If she fails, it spells her doom-and the end of her world.
Twice in the history of the city of Amenkor, the White Fire had swept over the land. Over a thousand years ago it came from the east, covering the entire city, touching everyone, leaving them unburned-but bringing madness in its wake, a madness that only ended with the death of the ruling Mistress of the city. Five years ago the Fire came again, and Amenkor has been spiraling into ruin ever since. The city's only hope rests in the hands of a young girl, Varis, who has taught herself the art of survival and has been trained in the ways of the assassin. Venturing deep into the heart of Amenkor, Varis will face her harshest challenges and greatest opportunities. And it is here that she will either find her destiny-or meet her doom.
Synopsis
Ruled by the Mistress of the Skewed Throne, the city of Amenkor has weathered attacks by invaders and the plague of madness brought by the mysterious White Fire. On the brink of civil war and mass starvation, the city turns to an inexperienced new Mistress, an orphan who has risen from the slums to claim the power of the Skewed Throne. Can Varis harness her survival skills and save Amenkor from ultimate destruction?
Synopsis
The thrilling final novel in a remarkable fantasy trilogy Ruled by the Mistress of the Skewed Throne, the city of Amenkor has just survived a devastating invasion by the mysterious Chorl, paying a terrible price both in the loss of lives and destruction in the city itself. Yet perhaps the most crucial loss is the throne of Amenkor?the true seat of power in every sense?now totally drained of the magic, knowledge, life force, and memories of previous rulers. The citys only hope lies with its sometime ally, the city of Venitte, home to the only throne that is twin in power to Amenkor?s...
About the Author
Joshua Palmatier is a writer and a mathematician with a PhD in mathematics. He was born in Pennsylvania, but has lived in numerous states over his life and currently resides in Binghamton, New York, and is a tenured professor of mathematics at Oneonta.