Feast Of The King's Shadow (Outremer) [Paperback]

The praise that greeted Chaz Brenchley's Tower of the King's Daughter in hardback was considerable, with particular praise being lavished on the elegant prose. But this first book marked the astute reader's card in no uncertain terms: here was a fantasy sequence to rival the most impressive in the genre. Book Two, Feast of the King's Shadow is similarly impressive. Atmosphere is an element often missing from epic fantasy but it's conjured with tremendous skill in this book, never, however, allowing it to swamp the adroit plotting. The Kingdom of Outremer has been raised on sands that have run with the copious blood of battle and it has enjoyed an uneasy peace. However, war is returning. The Sharai tribes, never at ease in defeat, have realised that they must unite at the stronghold in Rabat to achieve strength again. They see their saviour as the Ghost Walker, the hope and deliverer of the people. The Ghost Walker has returned, but not to the Sharai. The chosen man is Marron, who has been a Ransomer from Outremer, and is not yet aware of what he hasbecome. His companions sense the power coursing through him and try to persuade him that his destiny lies in Rabat. Many people want to control the Ghost Walker, who will wield immense power. But Marron has his own ideas. Part of the pleasure of this searing piece is its subtle mixture of genres, with even Chaz Brenchley's experience as a crime writer feeding through into some of the mysteries and revelations. Marron may be a protagonist cut from familiar cloth but he's more than serviceable as a central figure in this exhilarating piece. --Barry Forshaw

Brenchley's concise, muscular prose makes the story flow, free of genre cliches and embarassments. Recommended. (SFX )

The praise that greeted Chaz Brenchley's Tower of the King's Daughter in hardback was considerable, with particular praise being lavished on the elegant prose. But this first book marked the astute reader's card in no uncertain terms: here was a fantasy (Barry Forshaw, AMAZON.CO.UK REVIEW )

The second volume in a richly imagined and powerful new epic fantasy series

The Kingdom of Outremer was raised on sands steeped in the blood of war, and to war it is returning. The Sharai tribes, bitter and divided in defeat, have regrouped in their stronghold at Rhabat. They await the coming of the Ghost Walker, long-promised deliverer of their people. The Ghost Walker has indeed returned, but not to the Sharai. Marron is a former Ransomer from Outremer who does not yet fully understand what he has become. His companions know more about the power he now wields, and insist that his destiny lies with theirs in Rhabat. But their motives are far from united. Rudel seeks to prevent the coming war and save his mysterious homeland of Surayon; his daughter Elisande is pursuing a djinni's cryptic prophecies, as is Julianne, daughter of the King's Shadow. And Jemel, of the Sharai but now sworn tribeless, has his own reasons for bringing the Ghost Walker home to his people. One thing is certain: whoever controls the Ghost Walker controls the future of Outremer. But Marron has a will of his own . . .

Chaz Brenchley has written a dozen books across a variety of genres, most notably crime and supernatural thrillers, and many short stories. FEAST OF THE KING'S SHADOW is his second work of epic fantasy. He lives in Newcastle upon Tyne.