Breaking news for Doodled Books collectors – we are proud to present a world exclusive of a stunning debut called The Emperor’s Knife. The book is by Mazarkis Williams who has read modern history at university and has worked as an editor, copyeditor, and graphic designer.
The Emperor’s Knife is an epic debut fantasy with both an original and classic feel. It draws on some classic fantasy elements, but puts a new spin on them, making this a refreshingly original novel. It’s the first in The Tower and Knife series and could easily be adapted into a film.
Mazarkis Williams has exclusively signed, lined, dated, doodled and numbered books at his home. There are 5 variants of doodle and they are not to be missed.
This is one of the most talked about epic fantasy stories the year – a truly amazing collectible for your book collection!
Reviews
The Wertzone [AdamWhitehead]
“The Emperor’s Knife is a strong fantasy novel with a fresh setting, rich characters and an enjoyable storyline.”
Staffer’s Musings [Justin Landon]
“I said it at the beginning, and I’ll say it again, this is an ambitious debut novel. Thankfully, it’s also a novel that demonstrates great deal of promise in its author.”
Civilian Reader [Stefan Fergus]
“A debut with great potential”
Publisher’s Weekly [starred review]
“Compelling characterizations will keep fans of grim fantasy entirely enthralled.”
“Williams creates a twisty and enjoyable tale centred on a creepy magical plague sapping the strength from the heart of the Cerani Empire.”
Ranting Dragon [Stephan van Velzen]
“The Emperor’s Knife has everything a fan of epic and high fantasy may need. It has mystery, intrigue, amazing characters both to love and to hate, and original magic systems.”
“This is the first novel by Mazarkis Williams, though it doesn’t feel like it. I would highly recommend checking it out when it hits shelves on December 6th. It’s the first in a trilogy, but stands easily on its own. It has all the elements of a dark fantasy that give a story that heavy realism without going over the edge being so dark that that it starts losing sight of that realism again.”
“The characters are all believably complex, with desires, regrets and fears.”
“Although it boasts an engaging premise, an interesting magic system and a refreshing setting, The Emperor’s Knife is not without its problems. . . . That said, there are plenty of tantalizing ideas here – the patterning disease and Prince Sarmin’s accidental discoveries within it, elemental mages, an ancient temple found in the desert, not to mention all the overly polite courtly cruelty, it all keeps me interested to see what happens next.”
Product Description
There is a cancer at the heart of the mighty Cerani Empire: a plague that attacks young and old, rich and poor alike. Geometric patterns spread across the skin, until you die in agony, or become a Carrier, doing the bidding of an evil intelligence, the Pattern Master. Anyone showing the tell-tale marks is put to death; that is Emperor Beyon’s law… but now the pattern is running over his arms. His body servants have been executed, he ignores his wives, but he is doomed, for soon the pattern will reach his face. While Beyon’s agents scour the land for a cure, Sarmin, the Emperor’s only surviving brother, awaits his bride, Mesema, a windreader from the northern plains. Unused to the Imperial Court’s stifling protocols and deadly intrigues, Mesema has no one to turn to but an ageing imperial assassin, the Emperor’s Knife. When Beyon’s patterns are revealed and the Grand Vizier seizes the throne, the Knife spirits her to safety. As long-planned conspiracies boil over into open violence, the invincible Pattern Master appears from the deep desert. Now only three people stand in his way: a lost prince, a world-weary killer, and a young girl from the steppes who saw a path in a pattern once, among the waving grasses – a path that just might save them all.
About the Author
Mazarkis Williams read modern history at university and has worked as an editor, copyeditor, and graphic designer, and has been in the same tabletop role-playing game for fifteen years.
Product details
- First Edition First printing
- Hardcover: 388 pages
- Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books (27 Oct 2011)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0857388002
- ISBN-13: 978-0857388001
- Product Dimensions: 23.8 x 15.2 x 4 cm
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