The Golden Hills of Westria
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
A new story and a new generation grows as Diana Paxson returns to Westria, her classic fantasy realm, in the first new novel in that land in more than a decade.
Prince Phoenix has always been a bit restless, never quite measuring up to the expectations of his father King Julian. Sombra, Phoenix's childhood friend, believes in him, but she has her own duties as a student of the College of the Wise. Their relationship surpasses friendship, but their responsibilities take precedence over their feelings. Then Phoenix is abducted in a raid and sold to slavers. Eduring pain and humiliation, Phoenix must find a way to survive, even if that means losing his sense of self, and becoming a danger to the people that he loves.
While King Julian searches for his lost son, a growing army of fanatics led by the charismatic Mother Mahalial is conquering land after land, and its final destination is the golden land of Westria. The only person that can sense Phoenix's plight is Sombra, and her attempt to rescue him may decide the fate of the kingdom.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set about 25 years after the action in The Jewel of Fire (1992), bestseller Paxson's previous Westria novel, this eighth volume will please series fans curious to meet a new generation as it comes of age: Prince Phoenix, who takes the name Johan and worries that he's unworthy to inherit the Westrian throne; and Phoenix's lifelong female friend, Sombra, who assumes the name Luz. Just when their feelings for each other turn romantic, fate separates the pair. Luz goes to the College of the Wise, where she hones her skills as an adept and wrestles with school discipline. Kidnapped by slavers, Johan becomes a gladiator in a traveling circus where he must kill or be killed. The Red Dragon, an incarnation of his rage, possesses him and powers his murderous skills. Meanwhile, an army of fanatic cultists led by charismatic Mother Mahaliel is conquering all in its path. The outcome may be obvious, but as ever the author provides an entertaining ride. Newcomers will find this an easy entry point.