Synopses & Reviews
The realms of the Forelands are in turmoil as a result of the machinations of a powerful conspiracy of sorcerers, members of a race called the Qirsi, pale-skinned folk feared by those in power. Though many refuse to acknowledge the possibility of a conspiracy, a handful of Qirsi and nobles realize that the time has come to take action, even at the cost of their loves, their honor, and even their lives.
But the rebels don't know of each other's actions, and the tenuous threads holding the realms together are starting to unravel. With the death of a king, nobles gather to choose a new leader, and deadly power springs from a most unexpected source. As new alliances form, former enemies become unlikely partners.
But who can be trusted in these new alliances, and who will be swayed by love, jealousy, or pride to betray their new allies? For more than the future of the realm is at stake. The future of the entire Forelands is in danger, and a 900-year-old grudge may lead to civil war. Those who wish to prevent it must place their hopes in a reluctant assassin, a few Qirsi and nobles, and the one man who may be able to defeat the leader of the conspiracy...if he can survive long enough to do it.
Review
"Coe's world is much more intricate than that of most similar fantasy writers, and he seems to have a deeper grasp than most of the complexities of interhuman relationships. There's plenty of action as well in this promising opening sequence." --Don D'Ammassa,
Science Fiction Chronicle"Mesmerizing, highly readable fantasy for teens waiting for the next Tolkien movie."--A.L.A. Booklist
Review
"Coe's world is much more intricate than that of most similar fantasy writers, and he seems to have a deeper grasp than most of the complexities of interhuman relationships. There's plenty of action as well in this promising opening sequence." --Don D'Ammassa,
Science Fiction Chronicle"Mesmerizing, highly readable fantasy for teens waiting for the next Tolkien movie."--A.L.A. Booklist
Review
"Coe's world is much more intricate than that of most similar fantasy writers, and he seems to have a deeper grasp than most of the complexities of interhuman relationships. There's plenty of action as well in this promising opening sequence." --Don D'Ammassa,
Science Fiction Chronicle"Mesmerizing, highly readable fantasy for teens waiting for the next Tolkien movie."--A.L.A. Booklist
Synopsis
The Forelands have enjoyed relative peace in the nine hundred years since the Qirsi Wars, until the stability of the seven kingdoms is shaken by the brutal murder of Lady Brienne of Kentigern, newly betrothed to Lord Tavis of Curgh. Tavis, who is blamed for the crime, has escaped the dungeons of Kentigern and searches the Forelands for his love's killer. But already the Qirsi conspirators who murdered Brienne have taken their campaign of violence and deception to Aneira, Eibithar's hated neighbor, plunging that kingdom into turmoil. Now Tavis's search for redemption takes him into the stronghold of his realm's most bitter enemy.
For the first time in nine centuries, war threatens to engulf all the Forelands. And there are whispers of a new Qirsi threat. A Weaver, they say, is behind the deaths, the betrayals. Nobles who have depended on Qirsi ministers suddenly fear those they have trusted.
If the renegade Qirsi are indeed led by a Weaver, can this powerful sorcerer be found before he conquers the Forelands? And who wields magic potent enough to stop him?
Synopsis
Powerful conspiracies, magical treachery, and secret alliances threaten to push the realms into war in this exciting sequel to
Rules of Ascension. Sorcery, betrayal, and assassinations lead to fear, guilt, and unexpected acts of courage, forcing characters to question their assumptions about the very foundation of their world.
About the Author
David B. Coe grew up just outside of New York City, the youngest of four children. He attended Brown University as an undergraduate and later received a Ph.D. in history from Stanford. He briefly considered a career as an academic, but wisely thought better of it. David is currently working on volume three of Winds of the Forelands, which began with
Rules of Ascension and continues with
Seeds of Betrayal.
He has published four other novels and was the 1999 recipient of the William L. Crawford Memorial Fantasy Award. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, Nancy J. Berner, their daughters, Alex and Erin, and of course, Buddy, the wonder dog.