On the training field, Nail had bested Jenko on occasion. Jenko had also beaten him. Every conscript knew he and Jenko were evenly matched. But to spar in the village street was another matter altogether. In front of the Grayken Spear, Ava Shay could finally witness his prowess. At the same time, he could put Jenko in his place.

Don’t joke,” Zane said. “The silk robes of Laijon are anointed by the grand vicar himself and rendered stronger than armor. Tolbret would be well protected in any squall.” Jenko was grinning now, fingers poised at the hilt of his sword. His gaze never wavered from Nail. “What say you, a spar in the street? Like Zane said, a bit of fun to lighten the mood around here. Or do you dare not draw swords with me?”

Develop

Zane whistled for Beer Mug. Soon the big shepherd dog was snarling and barking at the pile of struggling bodies. With the threat of the dog, the fight died in Jenko and he gave up, head hanging. “I’m done then.” And that is what, in part, Brian delivers: fantasy and adventure. At least that’s what I thought it was. However the deeper I waded in, I found myself swept up in unknown currents and suddenly washed up on unfamiliar shores. A chill traveled through Nail. Rumors of the White Prince’s complete victory over Wyn Darrè were true. It was dire news indeed. There is war in the land of the Five Islands. The ambitious prince of Sør Sevier – Aeros Raijael – leads his army of fanatics from island to island, bringing nothing but suffering to subjugate the believers of the ancient Laijons religion. Somewhere in the lands, the orphan boy Nail is hiding. On him rests the secret hope of salvation. Jovan, the eldest son of the fallen king, rules over Gul Kana, possessed by ever worse delusions. Desperately, his two sisters try to oppose him. Jondralyn learns the fine art of swordplay with all the hardships and torments, while Tala uncovers a secret that is capable of destroying not only the family, but the entire country. Can the kingdom survive both the dangers from within and the threat of Raijael’s new religion? And does the fate of young Nail have something to do with an ancient prophecy? Klett-Cotta released a German language edition on 10 March 2018 under the title Der Mond des Vergessens.

Turn him loose,” Nail snarled between hard-fought breaths. “I’ll still fight him! I ain’t dead yet!” Does it look like I give a goat’s fart what’s in the stew? Could be pigeon shit for all I care. I’m only the innkeeper’s big fat errand girl.” With that she stomped away.Other than within the darkness of his own worst dreams, Nail had never seen such a demon-eyed creature. His blood ran cold. “Do you see that?” He turned to Stefan. All I am saying is our armor is naught but rusty relics dug out of that old keep. We can’t stand against Sør Sevier with but forty of us village conscripts and a few codgy sailors and farmers with rakes. Jubal Bruk. I know he’s the baron of our lands, the owner of the grayken-hunting ship upon which I work, but sometimes I think the man’s brain has been addled.”

We become what we think. Leastways, that was what Shawcroft was fond of saying. Nail fancied himself a good artist. It was what made him the happiest anyway, charcoal and parchment in hand—that, and dreaming of Ava Shay. He thought about both to an alarming degree. He also thought he was good with a sword.Every Gallows Haven young man of seventeen and eighteen, most still in some form of armor to impress the girls, was crowded into the tavern. It was tradition. After arms training, the girls working at the Grayken Spear Inn prepared a meal for the conscripts. Nail lived for the arms training with Baron Bruk and the hot meal at the Grayken Spear afterward. It was one of the few times Shawcroft allowed him to come to town—arms training was mandatory; it was the law. This book started with a strong first chapter, or at least strong visuals. It felt epic, and I felt good about where the book might go from there. Unfortunately, I ended up being disappointed. Caught between fealty to their lord and brother (while concerned about his fitness to reign), and the growing storm as Aeros fixes his sadistic gaze on Gul Kana, the king’s two beautiful, brave, and resourceful sisters, Princesses Jondralyn and Tala, navigate treacherous plots, court intrigue, and family loyalty versus remaining steadfast to friends who may turn against the king, while deciding their own futures. Jondralyn aspires to be a warrior, and Tala’s main goal is to protect her family members, especially those that are weak and vulnerable. But the peril they confront emanating from inside Gul Kana may be worse of that which comes from outside.