The Dark Worlds
The Mercian Chronicles Book 1
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Paperback Information
Available in Paperback and
eBook formats.
Publisher - Lost Tower Publications
Published December 2023
ISBN 978-1072031505
Available from
amazon.co.uk
amazon.com
SWORD AND FIRE
'Sword And Fire' is a dark high fantasy novel set in Mercia:
a once peaceful kingdom invaded by the magikally-enhanced armies of Dunmuirlun.
The sorcerers of Dunmuirlun watch for ripples in the galdor energy pathways throughout the Two Kingdoms. Anyone within the Kingdom of Mercia, able to control this energy is a potential threat to Dunmuirlun, and in the months prior to the invasion, many of the Mercian magikborne disappeared.
Meloc came to Welfasten to warn the city chief of an evil presence growing in the darkness and the disappearances of the Mercian magikborne. However, he had not made it past the great city walls and had been thrown in prison accused of practising illegal magik.
The chief offers him two choices: either be sent to Eldingar Tower and undergo the unmynstering to remove his magik or find the Serpent’s Breath, the lost galdor weapons of Mercia, the only weapons able to destroy the magically enhanced Dunmuir army.
To the hunted warlock, either choice could have deadly consequences.
Which will he risk losing? His life or his magik?
*International Bestseller - Amazon Fantasy books
The Reviews
'I've been a fan of Reed's work for quite some time now, and this is her best book yet, in my opinion. All of her strengths are on display in this one: exquisite prose, vivid settings, a mastery of atmosphere and description, but there's also a beating heart at the center of its narrative that I think all readers of great fiction will connect with. And the characters are fascinating! I can't wait to see where Meloc, Anders, and Kasian go in the next installment. Highly recommended!' BB
'This was my first contact with this author and, for a new acquaintance, was a great one.
It has a good plot, where one country attacks other with the help of magic, and three not so good heroes join to help his country.
This will continue in the next book that I'm eager to know how it ends.' AR
'Vivid descriptions, excellent world building and likeable characters makes this a great read. Dark magic, war….what could be better for a weekend read?!? I enjoyed this book greatly.' ADR
' The world-building is rich and immersive, particularly in your descriptions of distinct regions like Welfasten, Stonefall Fortress, and the surrounding landscape,' F
I'’m partial to a good fantasy adventure. It needs to have great worldbuilding, fascinating characters and a good dose of magic. A quest is essential and bonus points will be awarded for some surprises.
This story delivers on all of the above.
Meloc is a slightly dubious warlock, in a land where magic occupies a somewhat ambiguous place. He wants to warn people of the impending doom provided by an invading army. Instead, he’s imprisoned. Then he’s given a choice. His adventures are just beginning.
What follows is an epic quest, as he seeks the magic weapons of old to save his lands, not to mention his life. There is just about non-stop action, with a cast of creatures that all leap from the pages as they seek to thwart him and his allies.
The land of Mercia comes alive under Reed’s pen, every dark and brooding part of it is vividly described, while the action scenes are frantic and visceral.' R.D.
Bring on the next instalment.