Witchsign (Ashen Torment, Book 1)

Description

From celebrated fantasy author Den Patrick comes Witchsign, the first novel in a fresh and exciting new fantasy trilogy. It has been seventy-five years since the dragons' rule of fire and magic was ended. Out of the ashes, the Solmindre Empire was born. Since then, the tyrannical Synod has worked hard to banish all manifestations of the arcane from existence. However, children are still born bearing the taint of the arcane, known to all as witchsign. Vigilants are sent out across the continent of Vinterkveld to find and capture all those bearing the mark. No one knows when the Vigilants of the Synod will appear and enforce the Empire's laws. But today they're coming. And gods help those who bear the sign of the witch.

Den Patrick is the author of the Erebus Sequence, published in 2014, and was nominated for the British Fantasy Society Award for Best Newcomer in 2015. Witchsign is the first of three books in The Ashen Empire series. He lives in London with his fiancee and their two cats.

'WITCHSIGN is crammed with delicious mythology and populated with irresistible characters - a treat for anyone who loves fresh, modern fantasy' JEN WILLIAMS, author of The Copper Cat and The Winnowing Flame trilogies 'Witchsign triggered that 'I can't wait to get back to it' feeling in me. The current of the story caught me right away and I was swept along with the characters. Den Patrick hit the perfect mix of immediate action and characters I cared about. His prose wastes no words. (I loved the concept of the cinderwraiths!)' ROBIN HOBB 'May Gods help those who don't read Witchsign.' PETER NEWMAN Praise for THE BOY WITH THE PORCELAIN BLADE: 'A unique and engaging voice' Starburst 'Swordfights, violence and full-tilt action...familiar intrigues with a darker more gothic touch' SFX