The Iron Ship (68 page)
It goes without saying that we all love you very much, mum and dad. But sometimes it should be said.
What I have tried to capture accurately is the deep affection between my siblings and I. Part of my intention with this novel was to explore a family that was as close as mine, but who had been raised in very different circumstances. I’m glad to see that they stuck together.
Another personal element here is Guis Kressind’s ‘ailment of the nerves’. In our world he would be diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder. I suffered from this condition for twenty years, during which time it affected me severely. Although I was able maintain the appearance of sanity—until, of course, I couldn’t—it dominated my life.
I am extremely lucky that I recovered more or less completely. Guis’s story is, to an extent, an exploration of my experiences. Although in his fictional world the consequences are of a far higher order, the fear is the same and all too real. If you are afflicted by this pernicious and debilitating betrayal of the self, take heart, it is possible to get better.
Thanks are also due to the brilliant team at Solaris who have encouraged and praised me, and most importantly of all, like my writing enough to give me a chance. To Jon Oliver in particular, I owe the warmest gratitude.
This omnibus eBook contains the first two novels in the
Monarchies of God
series -
Hawkwood's Voyage
and
The Heretic Kings
.
THE WESTERN WORLD IS BURNING...
For Richard Hawkwood and his crew, a desperate venture to carry refugees to the uncharted land across the Great Western Ocean offers the only chance of escape from the Inceptines' pyres.
In the East, Lofantyr, Abeleyn and Mark - three of the five Ramusian Kings - have defied the cruel pontiff's purge and must fight to hold their thrones through excommunication, intrigue and civil war.
In the quiet monastery city of Charibon, two humble monks make a discovery that will change the whole world.
Aekir, the Holy City, has fallen and all now seems lost, but even on the eve of destruction the Faithful still war amongst themselves...
Hawkwood and the Kings
collects
Hawkwood's Voyage
and
The Heretic Kings
, the first two books in Paul Kearney's spectacular
The Monarchies of God
cycle.
‘One of the best fantasy works in ages’
SFX Magazine
It has been six hundred years since Imoshen the First, Causare of the T’En, brought her beleaguered people across the seas to Fair Isle. The magical folk mixed with the natives, bringing culture and sophistication, and made the island one of the wealthiest, most powerful nations in the known world.
But all glory is temporary. The Ghebites, savage barbarians from the warm north, have rolled over the mainland, conquering all in their path, and now they have taken Fair Isle. Imoshen, namesake of the first Empress and the last pure-blooded T’En woman, is all that survives of that great heritage. Now, just seventeen years of age, she must offer herself to the Ghebite General, Tulkhan, and do what she can to ensure her survival, and that of her people. One other T’En survives: Reothe, Imoshen’s betrothed, newly returned from adventuring on the high seas. As the T’En warrior foments rebellion against Tulkhan in secret, Imoshen must choose, both as a woman and as a leader, between a past now lost and an uncertain future...
This volume collects
Broken Vows
,
Dark Dreams
and
Desperate Alliances
for the first time.
“This really is a sprawling epic... it becomes addictive, and really ups the ante towards the end.”
The British Fantasy Society on
Besieged
“A tale about passion, acceptance and racism. It’s not an easy tale... Daniells is a master storyteller, and the series is a must-read for every fantasy fan.”
Fantastical Imaginations on
Sanctuary