Ordination

A jaded knight is chosen to be a champion for peace in this epic fantasy adventure trilogy opener from the author of The Warden and the Jack Dixon series.

"Ford's debut offers compelling characters and sharp dialogue. . . . Allystaire is a believable hero with an interesting past, and a future that promises plenty of action and adventure." —Publishers Weekly

In a land without a king, brutal warlords battle for dominance. Thieves, slavers, and servants of dark gods and dark magic plague the fractured and scarred countryside. One war has lasted forty-one years, and little hope remains.

Renowned knight Allystaire Coldbourne has had enough. Rejecting his privileged position, he has chosen to live in exile. Before he can leave his homeland behind, fire and smoke lead him to the ruins of a village and a frightened—and angry—girl named Mol. Against his better judgment, he pursues the vile thugs who razed the community and sold Mol's kin and neighbors into slavery. When he finds them in a town of fugitives and pirates, he exacts bloodied justice.

This act of righteousness and bravery in such a dark and desperate time attracts plenty of attention for a man who wanted to get lost. His deed awakens a long-absent goddess of mercy who chooses him to restore hope to the land. To do so, he must assemble a team to face a monstrous evil, the wrath of gods and men, and his own dark past.

"Traditional fantasy . . . well done in every way. Highly recommended." —Fantasy Book of the Month Podcast