King of Ashes (The Firemane Saga, Book 1)

A new novel from internationally bestselling author Raymond E. Feist.The world of Garn once boasted five great kingdoms, until the King of Ithrace was defeated and every member of his family executed by Lodavico, the ruthless King of Sandura, a man with ambitions to rule the world.Ithrace's ruling family were the legendary Firemanes, and represented a great danger to the other kings. Now four great kingdoms remain, on the brink of war. But rumour has it that the newborn son of the last king of Ithrace survived, carried off during battle and sequestered by the Quelli Nacosti, a secret society whose members are trained to infiltrate and spy upon the rich and powerful throughout Garn. Terrified that this may be true, and that the child will grow to maturity with bloody revenge in his heart, the four kings have placed a huge bounty on the child's head.In the small village of Oncon, Declan is apprenticed to a master blacksmith, learning the secrets of producing the mythical king's steel. Oncon is situated in the Covenant, a neutral region lying between two warring kingdoms. Since the Covenant was declared, the region has existed in peace, until violence explodes as slavers descend upon the village to capture young men to press as soldiers for Sandura.Declan must escape, to take his priceless knowledge to Baron Daylon Dumarch, ruler of Marquensas, perhaps the only man who can defeat Lodavico of Sandura, who has now allied himself with the fanatical Church of the One, which is marching across the continent, imposing its extreme form of religion upon the population and burning unbelievers as they go.Meanwhile, on the island of Coaltachin, the secret domain of the Quelli Nacosti, three friends are being schooled in the deadly arts of espionage and assassination: Donte, son of one of the most powerful masters of the order; Hava, a serious girl with fighting abilities that can set any opponent on their back; and Hatu, a strange, conflicted lad in whom fury and calm war constantly, whose hair is a bright and fiery shade of red…

Booklist (starred review)

“Feist (Magician’s End, 2013) is back on top of his game in this series. . . .A delightful fantasy novel, full of simple magic, fighting, political intrigue, and religious strife.”

RT Book ReviewsPraise for A Crown Imperiled:

“Feist succeeds in finding warmth and meaning in the smaller moments . . . [and] shines when he focuses on the human element, which feels more necessary than ever.”

SF Site

“Feist constantly amazes with his ability to create great casts of characters.”

San Francisco Chronicle

“Sheer readability.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Fast action, appealing characters, and a splendid setting will delight readers of fantasy and leave them eager for the next battle.”

Booklist (starred review) on MAGICIAN'S END

“The riveting conclusion to the Chaoswar Saga and the Riftwar Cycle is satisfying in every way...In Magician’s End, [Feist] has masterfully brought the entire epic in a full circle.”

Library Journal on A CROWN IMPERILED

“With his storytelling mastery and ear for colorful language and nuance, the author of numerous books set in the dual worlds of Midkemia and Kelewan here launches a series that takes his fantasy universe into a whole new phase. ”

Chicago Sun-Times on A KINGDOM BESIEGED

“Feist has a command of language and a natural talent for keeping the reader turning pages.”

From the Back Cover

Legendary New York Times bestselling author Raymond E. Feist makes his long-awaited return with this first volume in his new heroic fantasy series, the Firemane Saga—an electrifying tale of two young men whose choices will determine a world’s destinyFor centuries, the five greatest kingdoms of North and South Tembria, twin continents on the world of Garn, have coexisted in peace. But the balance of power is destroyed when four of the kingdoms violate an ancient covenant and betray the fifth. The beautiful, flourishing Ithrace, Kingdom of Flames—ruled by the virtuous King Steveren Langene, known as “the Firemane” for his brilliant red hair—has been destroyed. Murdering the Firemane, his treacherous brother kings have also brought death to every member of the Langene family, including the women and children. But the Firemane’s legacy will not be extinguished. . . . As a Free Lord, Baron Daylon Dumarch owes allegiance to no king. When an abandoned infant is found hidden in Daylon’s pavilion, he realizes that the child is the missing heir of the slain Steveren Langene. Around the child’s neck is a woven copper wire adorned with a gold-and-ruby ring—the signet ring of Ithrace. With the Greater Realms of Tembria thrust into a dangerous struggle for supremacy, the boy is valuable—and vulnerable. A cunning and patient man scarred by battle and death, Daylon decides to keep the baby’s existence secret, and sends him to be raised on the Island of Coaltachin, home of the so-called Kingdom of Night, where the powerful and lethal Nocusara, the “Hidden Warriors,” a legion of legendary assassins and spies, are trained.Years later, another orphan of mysterious provenance, a young man named Declan, earns his Masters rank as a weapons smith. Blessed with intelligence and skill, he unlocks the secret to forging King’s Steel, the apex of a weapon maker’s abilities known by very few. Yet this precious knowledge is also deadly, and Declan is forced to leave his home to safeguard his life. Landing in Lord Daylon’s provinces, he hopes to start anew.Soon, the two young men—an unknowing rightful heir to a throne and a brilliantly talented young craftsman—will discover that their fates, and that of Garn, are entwined. Though the remains of a once-great kingdom lie buried in ash, the legendary, long-ago War of Betrayal that razed it has never truly ended. To protect their future, swordsman and swordsmith together must discover the secret of who truly threatens their world.Beloved master Raymond E. Feist has enchanted fans around the globe with his epic tales of worlds lost and reborn. King of Ashes is a rousing saga from a writer at the peak of his artistry and power—a heroic epic of intrigue, blood, sacrifice, adventure, and battle set in a captivating universe that brilliantly mirrors our own.

About the Author

David Thorpe has appeared in numerous stage plays, in repertory, and on tour. Twice a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company, he has been heard in many radio plays and readings. An award-winning audiobook narrator, he has voiced several fantasy and science fiction books, including a number of the original Doctor Who books and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.Raymond E. Feist is the author or co-author of twenty-nine previous books-all but one of which are Riftwar Cycle novels. He lives in San Diego.

Reviews

News