The Obsidian Heart (Echoes of Empire)

Echoes of Empire: Book 2An uneasy peace has settled over the Shrīanese Empire, and for Indris and Mari, a life together just might be possible. But while the fighting may be over, the struggle between the two great Houses vying to rule has just begun, and caught between them are Indris and Mari―warriors of the highest caliber…and members of the opposing families.With the court moved to a new city, the old machinations of Mari’s father, Corajidin, are still churning as he maneuvers to shape the future Empire. For Mari and Indris, though, it could be the past that’s their undoing, as lost lovers and forgotten flames reappear as if by dark magic.And dark magic it could be, for a dangerous alliance with witches could not only grant Corajidn control of Shrīan, but once again plunge the nation back into war―especially after a sorcerous battle destroys much of the city…and forces Indris and Mari to part ways.In The Obsidian Heart, the second volume of the Echoes of Empire series, darkness falls over a kingdom already reeling from a costly civil war. Can Indris and Mari survive this new threat to save not only the ones they love, but possibly the entire world?

Reading Reality

“The Obsidian Heart was every bit as amazing as The Garden of Stones.”

Acerbic Writing

“Mark T. Barnes has become one to watch out for. His second novel is one of the best of the year, both stylistically and plot-wise. If you’re looking for an intelligent Science Fantasy novel that’s different from the rest, though not too weird, then I highly recommend The Obsidian Heart.”

Marktimmony.com

“[The Obsidian Heart] is a book that is fit to bursting with all the things I love in fantasy. Epic history and world building, rich and elegant prose and a pushing of the boundaries of creativity…In two novels Mark Barnes has revealed a tremendous vein of authorial gold, and what’s even more exciting is that he has only just begun to tap it.”

BooksBooksBooks

“With the world building out of the way, Barnes gets right into the plot with well fleshed out characters and beautiful descriptions of the world around them. [The Obsidian Heart] is enjoyable to read and very well written.”

Reading Reality

“The Obsidian Heart was every bit as amazing as The Garden of Stones.”

Acerbic Writing

"Mark T. Barnes has become one to watch out for. His second novel is one of the best of the year, both stylistically and plot-wise. If you're looking for an intelligent Science Fantasy novel that's different from the rest, though not too weird, then I highly recommend The Obsidian Heart."

Marktimmony.com

"[The Obsidian Heart] is a book that is fit to bursting with all the things I love in fantasy. Epic history and world building, rich and elegant prose and a pushing of the boundaries of creativity ... In two novels Mark Barnes has revealed a tremendous vein of authorial gold, and what’s even more exciting is that he has only just begun to tap it."

BooksBooksBooks

"With the world building out of the way, Barnes gets right into the plot with well fleshed out characters and beautiful descriptions of the world around them. [The Obsidian Heart] is enjoyable to read and very well written."

About the Author

Mark Barnes was born in Sydney, Australia, in September of 1966. A strong athlete, he was also drawn to the arts at a young age, penning his first short story as a seven-year-old. He worked in finance and advertising and eventually landed satisfying work in information technology, where he continues to manage a freelance organizational change consultancy. In 2005, when Mark was selected to attend the Clarion South residential short story workshop, he began to write with the intention of making it more than a hobby. Since that time, Mark has published a number of short stories, worked as a freelance script editor, and has driven creative consultancy for a television series. The Obsidian Heart is Book Two in the Echoes of Empire series, which began with his first novel, The Garden of Stones.

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