Cold Counsel

An orphaned troll is raised by a witch to seek revenge upon the elves who wiped out his clan in this epic fantasy adventure.

"In Cold Counsel, Chris Sharp puts a new spin on ancient myths to craft a tale of destiny and revenge that is at once beautifully gory, eloquently profane, and delightfully merciless." ―David Mack, New York Times–bestselling author of 24: Rogue

Slud of the Blood Claw Clan, Bringer of Troubles, was born at the heart of the worst storm the mountain had ever seen. Slud's father, chief of the clan, was changed by his son's presence. For the first time since the age of the giants, he rallied the remaining trolls under one banner and marched to war taking back the mountain from the goblin clans.

However, the long-lived elves remembered the brutal wars of the last age, and did not welcome the return of these lesser-giants to martial power. Twenty thousand elves marched on the mountain intent on genocide. They eradicated the entire troll species―save two.

Aunt Agnes, an old witch from the Iron Wood, carried Slud away before the elves could find them. Their existence remained hidden for decades, and in that time, Agnes molded Slud to become her instrument of revenge.

For cold is the counsel of women.

"This is an old school, classic adventure for all those young at heart and willing to join the heat of battle. Sharp by name and by craft: he's not just an excellent actor, but also an excellent writer." ―Jeremy Szal, Starship Sofa