The Jaguar Path (The Songs of the Drowned, Book 2)

Description

Book Two of the new epic fantasy trilogy by the acclaimed author of GODBLIND. The Empire of Songs reigns supreme. Across all the lands of Ixachipan, its hypnotic, magical music sounds. Those who battled against the Empire have been enslaved and dispersed, taken far from their friends and their homes. In the Singing City, Xessa must fight for the entertainment of her captors. Lilla and thousands of warriors are trained to serve as weapons for their enemies. And Tayan is trapped at the heart of the Empire's power and magic, where the ruthless Enet's ambition is ever growing. Each of them harbours a secret hope, waiting for a chance to strike at the Empire from within. But first they must overcome their own desires. Power can seduce as well as crush. And, in exchange for their loyalty, the Empire promises much.

Anna Stephens has worked in a variety of roles over the years, the latest being in corporate communications for an international law firm. She's currently living the dream as a full-time writer and hopes never to have to get a proper job again. Anna loves all things speculative and horrifying, from books to film to TV, and is a second Dan black belt in Shotokan Karate, as well as a keen weightlifter and beginner swordfighter.

'THE JAGUAR PATH serves up a second volume of rising danger and sharpening conflict, where enemies turn into lovers, lovers turn into whetted daggers, and every player in the game seethes with repressed emotion' E. J. Beaton, author of THE COUNCILLOR 'If you want characters who will break your heart in a world with eye popping depth and battles that leap off the page and pin you to your seat then Stephens delivers. Come for the awesome song magic but stay for the blood and fire' Stewart Hotston, author of TANGLE'S GAME and ENTROPY OF LOSS 'An epic, bloodsoaked saga of rebellion, love, and betrayal' Peter McLean, author of PRIEST OF BONES PRAISE FOR SONGS OF THE DROWNED 'THE STONE KNIFE has everything you'd hope for in a Stephens novel: sharp action, cracking pace, and a brutal disregard for our poor feelings. A compelling story of clashing cultures, of duty and ambition and change, that will leave you desperate for the next instalment' Sam Hawke, author of CITY OF LIES 'A brilliant, grim, and joyous opening to a bloody new trilogy' Stewart Hotston, author of TANGLE'S GAME 'An epic tale about the bloody repercussions of expansionism. THE STONE KNIFE explores the cruelty of empire through the eyes of characters from vastly different backgrounds, weaving a tapestry of conflict, injustice, and determination' E.J. Beaton, author of THE COUNCILLOR PRAISE FOR THE GODBLIND TRILOGY 'A great achievement...no one does swordfights quite like Anna Stephens. We salute her with a bloody gauntlet' DAILY MAIL 'GODBLIND is a triumph of its genre' STARBURST 'Writes her name in blood on the roster of masters of grimdark alongside the likes of Mark Lawrence and Joe Abercrombie' B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog 'Builds to an epic crescendo...deeply emotional and unexpectedly hopeful' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY