Synopses & Reviews
David B. Coe, winner of the William L. Crawford Award for Best First Fantasy Series for the
LonTobyn Chronicle, continues his rise to the top rank of fantasy writers with
Rules of Ascension, the first novel of an exciting new epic fantasy quartet,
Winds of the Forelands. For centuries the Forelands were disputed by several tribes. Then came the magically gifted Qirsi--physically no match for their foes, but capable of mindsight, creating and controlling mists and fire, and bending solid matter to their purpose. After a Qirsi traitor betrayed his race to save himself, the Qirsi were defeated and dispersed among the seven realms of the Forelands. Those specially endowed Qirsi capable of multiple powers, the Weavers, were all put to death.
For centuries the Forelands enjoyed relative peace. But when Tavis, the heir to the Kingdom of Curgh, is wrongfully blamed for the murder of a noble, the accusation sets in motion a series of events culminating in civil war. The ensuing chaos topples the throne in Eibithar and threatens to rain chaos on all the realms of the Forelands. Tavis, thrust into the center of deadly controversy and stripped of the protection of his family's nobility, turns to the Qirsi, his last remaining hope for redemption. But another Qirsi traitor, secretly fomenting fear and mistrust among the Dukedoms, seeks to destroy Tavis. Tavis must survive long enough to clear his name and save an entire kingdom. A powerful, compelling tale set in an unforgettable land, rules of Ascension will capture your heart and fire your imagination.
Review
"This sword and sorcery epic gathers momentum like a runaway moving van."--
Publishers Weekly"Mesmerizing, highly readable fantasy."--A.L.A. Booklist
Synopsis
For 900 years, since the Qirsi War, the Forelands have enjoyed relative peace. The Qirsi leaders, Weavers whose powerful magic could bend to their will not only the elements but also the thoughts of others, were all killed. The rest of the pale-skinned Qirsi were scattered throughout the realm. They were no longer a threat without their multi-talented leaders.
But though most Qirsi live normal lives, and some even serve lords as advisors, all is not well in the realm. There is a Weaver in the Forelands again, secretly sowing seeds of rebellion against the physically hardier but unmagical Eandi.
Lord Tavis of Curgh, raised to succeed his father as duke, and engaged to the beautiful Lady Brienne of Kentigern, seems bound for greatness. But just as his life seems complete, he is accused of a horrific act. Little can Tavis know that the Weaver is using him as a pawn in a vast plot.
Now, only a Qirsi gleaner can help Tavis survive his doom, reclaim his good name, and prevent a devastating civil war in the Forelands.
About the Author
David B. Coe is the author of the Winds of the Forelands and Blood of the Southlands series. Children of Amarid and The Outlanders, the first two novels of his LonTobyn Chronicle trilogy, won the William L. Crawford Award for Best First Fantasy or Fantasy Series. He also wrote the novelization of the Ridley Scott production of Robin Hood. Coe grew up in the suburbs around New York City. He received his undergrad degree from Brown University and his Ph.D. in history from Stanford University. In his free time, he is an avid birdwatcher and nature photographer. He lives with his wife and two daughters in Sewanee, Tennessee.