Quicksilver Rising

From the author of the internationally acclaimed Orcs series comes a powerful new epic fantasy filled with spectacular magic, action, adventure and political intrigue.

In the land of Bhealfa magic underpins the social order. Different classes enjoy different qualities of magic; from meagre charms for the destitute, to grand conjurations for the rich. But the most skilful and expensive spells of all are those used by the authorities to control the entire population.

Reeth Caldason is the last remaining member of a tribe of warriors who were brutally massacred decades ago. Cursed with episodes of blind rage that endanger anyone near him, he is forced to wander the world seeking revenge for his people and a cure for his magical affliction.

But the spell that binds Reeth is an esoteric one, and his search has so far been fruitless. Only when a young sorcerer's apprentice named Kutch tells him of the mysterious Covenant does he regain a glimmer of hope. Forming an uneasy alliance the two head for Bhealfa's capital city in search of this secretive magical society, unaware that they are about to be drawn into a dangerous world of conspiracy and sedition.

Reviews

‘Quicksilver Rising is brilliantly conceived and beautifully constructed. From the first gripping action scene it had me hooked. It has all the ingredients to become a classic of the genre’ David Gemmell

‘Nicholls tells a story into which the reader is dragged as willing victim. He has an eye for action and character, keeps the pace high, plot finely tuned and pages turning; and in Quicksilver Rising has delivered a hugely entertaining read.’ James Barclay

‘Stan Nicholls puts modern dialogue into the mouths of high fantasy characters and echoes of our politics into the kingdoms he creates. Easily as much fun as you’d expect.’ Jon Courtenay Grimwood, Guardian

‘Nicholls knows his stuff … deft characterization … full of action, magic, romance and politics’ Starburst

Exhilirating, innovative fantasy writing … delivered with tremendous panache’ Publishing News

‘A cracking blend of high fantasy adventure and thought-provoking political thriller – a real feast for intelligent imaginations.’ Louise Cooper

’Fast-paced, high adventure … a bare-knuckle fight with a magic punch.’ Mark Chadbourn

About the author

Stan Nicholls has been a full-time writer since 1981. He is the author of many novels and short stories but is best-known for the internationally acclaimed Orcs: First Blood series. His journalism has appeared in the Guardian, the Independent, the Daily Mirror, Time Out, Sight and Sound, Rolling Stone, SFX and Locus among many others. Stan has worked for a number of specialist and general bookshops and was the first manager of the London branch of Forbidden Planet. He lives in the West Midlands with his wife, Anne Gay.