A spirited blacksmith’s daughter accused of using the dark and terrifying sleth magic. The young man who hunts her. And the ferocious monster who only wants to be free. Trapped in a web of lies and ancient secrets, of right becoming wrong, the three must struggle not only against each other, but also a being of irresistible powers, a creature who is gathering her servants to usher in the impending human harvest. If the three succeed, they will save those they love the most. If they fail, the clans of the land fall with them. Thus begins the towering fantasy series that introduces an elaborate new world, a multifaceted system of magic, and a cast of compelling characters and creatures. "A great setting, a smart story" ~ Brandon Sanderson "It's great!" ~ BRANDON SANDERSON , New York Times best-selling author "Engrossing debut . . . Readers will be rewarded with a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy adventure." ~ PUBLISHERS WEEKLY "A book that copies nothing I have read before and which goes its own way brilliantly." ~ DAVID DRAKE , best-selling author "Engrossed enough to pound through this novel in a couple of sittings." ~ LARRY CORRIEA , New York Times best-selling author "A provocative, suspenseful beginning of a new series." ~ BOOKLIST "A welcome addition to large-scale fantasy." ~ LIBRARY JOURNAL (Starred Review!) "Thoroughly engrossing from the first page to the last!" ~ DAVID FARLAND , New York Times best-selling author "I will say, in utter candor, that Servant is a work that truly stands out from other fantasy books on the market. What makes this book work so well is that it's a story about family first, and a fantasy adventure second." ~ ORSON SCOTT CARD'S INTERGALACTIC MEDICINE SHOW "Like another reviewer, I picked up this book with reluctance, but by the third chapter I found myself completely under its spell." ~ CACHE MAGAZINE "There are moments of cliffhanger suspense and scenes of tender compassion. Terrible things happen, but powerful good rises to meet the challenge, though this is no "and they all lived happily ever after" kind of story. Face it, a fantasy novel that pulled me in so thoroughly, has to be good." ~ JENNIE HANSEN , Meridian Magazine AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR Q - What other books would you compare this to? Readers have compared it to Game of Thrones without the weird sex, Feist's Riftwar Saga, and Brandon Sanderson's work. I think it has echoes of things being very hard for the heroes that you see in Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice. At the same time, it's kind of its own thing. The experience is full of action (I love action). And peril. And some difficult, poignant moments and choices. I also wanted to leaven it with touches of humor now and again. And there's a bit of mystery and confusion because these folks are all in the dark about what's really going on because so much knowledge has been intentionally buried and lost. Q - A number of reviewers have mentioned the fact that the story isn't about a solo hero, but families that are intertwined. What led you to that? I was simply drawn to the delicious story lines and dilemmas those relationships presented. Especially in a world where the use of magic by commoners is forbidden. What happens when someone in the family goes down that path? What do you do? I wanted to explore that. Q - Is part of the dilemma deciding who is good and bad? Yes. That's an insightful question. The book has four main points of view. Two start off as antagonists. And many readers have found one of those antagonists, Hunger, to be one of the most compelling characters in the book. Q - What else should readers know? Well, this isn't a simple tale or world. It's a rich world with lots of factions, a good number of characters, and new creatures. So they are going to be plunged into all of this and have to figure out how everything fits as the plot runs pell-mell forward. It doesn't take too long, but there's definitely a learning curve as they embark on this dangerous, high-action adventure. Q - And the adventure continues after this book? Oh, yes. Our heroes have a lot to discover. And the enemies revealed here are incredibly powerful and respond with overwhelming force. This is a series that will take a few books and a number of surprising turns to find its end. Q - Care to elaborate? Are you asking for spoilers (grin)? I will just say that there are plenty of battles, and new creatures, and secrets ahead. Q - Well, readers do seem to be enjoying discovering the twists and turns. Indeed. We've been receiving good reviews and enthusiastic emails demanding more. Q - Looks like you need to get cracking. Yes, Master. Q - Thanks for your time. Of course. Always happy to chat.
