Stands a Shadow: Heart of the World 2

WHEN VENGEANCE ISN'T ENOUGH ...

"An impressively imagined war-ravaged world." Publishers Weekly

"With a narrative that is riveting from beginning to end ... this is the rare book that a reader wishes would never end." RT Book Reviews

Riding at the head of her army, Holy Matriarch of Mann plans to conquer the fortress city of Bar-Khos, whose walls have held the empire at bay for ten long years of siege. Ash is a man who would see her dead before that. The ailing Roshun assassin is determined to seek vengeance for the Matriarch's previous crimes. But such a course of retribution goes against everything his life has taught him.

Meanwhile, Ché, a trained killer of the state, watches as the Mannian army slaughters their way across the remnants of the free world, and questions whether he believes the doctrines he has been trained to follow.

With the battle for the Free Ports intensifying, more lives are drawn into the bloody conflict: Bahn, the siege-shocked soldier; and Curl, a young woman determined to make a stand even if it costs her life. When the two armies clash all looks set to be decided. But sheer force alone will not be enough to win this war. Only the gruelling determination of one man seeking redemption may be enough to sway the final outcome . . .

MORE PRAISE FOR THE SERIES

"Well rendered and nicely paced ... Stirring combat and vivid details." Kirkus Reviews

"Something special ... Buchanan writes vividly and well, and the story grips from the astonishing opening sequence to the unexpected conclusion." The Times

"Completely absorbing. Once I was into it, I just couldn't put it down." Glen Cook, author of The Black Company series

"Gripping ... Delightfully undermin[es] expectations." SFX