Darkening Skies (The Hadrumal Crisis) (67 page)

Lysha had found him sitting by Corrain’s bedside, casting trio after trio. He wasn’t gambling, he had said tersely. He was seeking guidance.

But he had refused to share whatever he read in those runes.

A
CKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am indebted as always to the family members and friends who’ve helped this book on its way with support, encouragement and interesting comments, ideas and information.

Special mention goes to Sue Rumfitt, for referring me to Bran Symondson’s ‘mouse and scorpion’ photograph, and to David LeTocq, our excellent family dentist, for advice on the longer term consequences of maxillofacial injuries. I am also most grateful to Karen Williams for her wonderful hospitality in California, and to everyone who made me so welcome on my trip to Sunnyvale and at the World Fantasy Convention in San Diego.

My thanks to Jon, David, Jenni, Ben and Mike at Solaris and Rebellion for their professional contributions to my work and for their excellent and amusing company at science-fiction conventions and other events.

I remain continually thankful for the good fellowship of other writers, for my own keen readers and for all the SF&Fantasy enthusiasts who read, review, blog and keep our wonderful genre thriving.

Read the first novel in
Chronicles of the Lescari Revolution
, the bestselling fantasy series from Juliet E. McKenna and Solaris Books!

The country of Lescar was carved out of the collapse of the Old Tormalin Empire. Every generation has seen the land laid waste by rival dukes fighting for the High King's empty crown. Tathrin's parents sent him to the distant city of Vanam to escape the recurrent skirmishes. He meets Aremil, another Lescari, whose parents have their own reasons for sending him so far away.

These two young men cannot forget their homeland. Can they persuade other exiles with Lescari blood to help relieve their kinfolk's misery? If they can persuade Branca, the down-to-earth scholar, to share the ancient lore which she has studied, then this mismatched band of commoners, merchants and nobles can begin plotting a revolution.

Full of high adventure, this novel marks the beginning of a thrilling new fantasy series.

www.solarisbooks.com

Read the second novel in
Chronicles of the Lescari Revolution
, the bestselling fantasy series from Juliet E. McKenna and Solaris Books!

Those exiles and rebels determined to bring peace to Lescar discover the true cost of war. Courage and friendships are tested to breaking point. Who will pay such heartbreaking penalties for their boldness? Who will pay the ultimate price?

The dukes of Lescar aren’t about to give up their wealth and power without a fight. Nor will they pass up some chance to advance their own interests, if one of their rivals suffers in all this upheaval. The duchesses have their own part to play, more subtle but no less deadly.

www.solarisbooks.com

Read the third novel in
Chronicles of the Lescari Revolution
, the bestselling fantasy series from Juliet E. McKenna and Solaris Books!

A few stones falling in the right place can set a landslide in motion. That's what Lescari exiles told themselves in Vanam as they plotted to overthrow the warring dukes. But who can predict the chaos that follows such a cataclysm? Some will survive against all the odds; friends and foes alike. Hope and alliances will be shattered beyond repair. Unforeseen consequences bring undeserved grief as well as unexpected rewards. Necessity forces uneasy compromise as well as perilous defiance. Wreaking havoc is swift and easy. Building a lasting peace may yet prove an insuperable challenge!

www.solarisbooks.com

The Archmage rules the island of wizards and has banned the use of magecraft in warfare, but there are corsairs raiding the Caladhrian Coast, enslaving villagers and devastating trade. Barons and merchants beg for magical aid, but all help has been refused so far. Lady Zurenne's husband has been murdered by the corsairs. Now a man she doesn't even know stands as guardian over her and her daughters. Corrain, former captain and now slave, knows that the man is a rogue wizard, illegally selling his skills to the corsairs. If Corrain can escape, he'll see justice done. Unless the Archmage's magewoman, Jilseth, can catch the renegade first, before his disobedience is revealed and the scandal shatters the ruler's hold on power...

"Inventive magic, devious intrigue and appealing characters make for an exciting tale, well-told."

- Gail Z. Martin, author of 'The Sworn'

"If your appetite is for fantasy in the epic tradition, with compelling narratives, authentic combat and characters you care about, Juliet E. McKenna is definitely the author for you."

- Stan Nicholls, author of 'Orcs'

www.solarisbooks.com