Our Price: AUD$27.95 (USD$)* ISBN: 978-1-920764-93-7 Subject: Fantasy Publication Date: December 2007

Synopsis
A fragile peace has long reigned upon the great continent of Isador, but as a shadow of conflict falls over his homeland, Jennadil Silvernstern, a shiftless wizard with a greater love of women and the good life rather than wizardry, must rediscover both his courage and talent in order to save his home.

When Isador's southern coastline falls to the Morg, savage invaders from an unknown land to the south, the people of Isador must unite or become slaves to a new order.

An unlikely hero, Jennadil has little choice but to join a courageous group planning a perilous quest into the heart of occupied territory. Certain that his decision will end his life, he soon comes to realize that his personal fate matters very little in the end, for if they fail to stop the Morg and the evil warlock who leads them, Isador will fall into darkness forever.

About The Author
Sam J. Charlton has loved reading and writing fantasy since she picked up The Sword of Shannara at the age of thirteen and was instantly hooked. Born in the UK, she grew up in Dunedin, on New Zealand's South Island.

Struck by the travel bug in her early twenties, she left for Europe two days after graduating from university, ending up in Rome, where she stayed for seven years.

Over the past decade Sam has worked as an English and Italian language tutor, translator and editor. She now attempts to live in both Italy and New Zealand (not simultaneously!) and spends most of her time cooking for friends and family, while dreaming up new stories.

Visit Sam's Official Web Site.

From The Book
Lassendil Florin stood at the top of the castle walls and watched the sunset. He had not done so for a while, not since the Morg had invaded. Of late there had been no time to enjoy sunsets and sunrises, or to note the passing of the seasons. These days smoke stained the morning and evening sky and a shadow had fallen over this once serene and verdant land. However, this sunset held special poignancy for Lassendil for it would be the last before the Morg attacked Aranith - the last stronghold of the Ennadil - their last chance.

Lassendil watched the light fade. Aranith glowed pink in the dusk. Its walls were made of a rose limestone. It had been built in tiers, rising up from a wooded plain to a turreted fortress at its crown. Aranith's beauty, like all things built by Ennadil hands, was famed throughout Isador. From a distance the city resembled a magnificent pink wedding cake, thrusting skywards from a bed of green. Lassendil tried not to think about the fate that awaited this city. A dull ache twisted somewhere between his stomach and ribcage. He was under no illusions about their ability to hold Aranith against the Morg. No army had ever breached Aranith's walls, but then the Ennadil had never fought such a powerful enemy.