Drum roll…

Ta da!

THE PRINCE’S PROTEGE – #3 The Five Kingdoms is ready to go!

Following on from The Prince’s Son, continue reading the gripping Five Kingdoms fantasy adventure…

In the aftermath of the devastating coup, King Marten strives to rebuild his subjects’ confidence in the throne, but not all his councillors believe the young monarch is ready to rule alone. An assassin’s stalking him, his closest advisor has been murdered, and rumours have surfaced that the malicious god’s cult is reborn.
As Marten grapples with a dark, personal secret, who can he trust?
Meanwhile, fledgling spy, Lady Betha, successfully infiltrates a conspiracy. However, getting back out alive with information vital to the king’s survival may prove beyond her capabilities.
And as Rustam and Risada search for Risada’s kidnapped son, they find the dual-natured deity meddling with their lives again. If only they could tell which aspect: god or goddess, evil or good?
The fate of the land—and possibly mankind—depends on each of them completing their tasks. Problem is, with both sides of the deity now openly interfering in human affairs, will they all survive?

Available to pre-order from Amazon

Release day is March 29th, but it is already available on pre-order at the special introductory price of $2.99 for two weeks only from AMAZON (US) or AMAZON (the rest of the world!)

(The US link is an affiliate link, meaning Amazon will pay me a few more cents for each sale – every little helps!)

Here are a couple of snippets to whet your appetites

Excerpt – Marten

He placed the glass of amber liquid into Padrus’s hand, misliking the tremors rocking the old man’s grip.
Marten frowned. “You really should see a healer.”
“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s concern, but my aches and pains are a welcome reminder of how much life Chel has blessed me with. And besides, even the best healers cannot treat old age.” Padrus held his glass aloft, swirling its contents to release a fruity aroma. He inhaled appreciatively. “This, on the other hand, has a wonderful medicinal effect.” He raised the glass in salute to the king before taking a sip. “Ahh, that’s good, but I should convey my concerns before I partake of any more.”
Marten took a fortifying swallow of his own drink, tracing the warmth and evolving aftertaste as it spread down his gullet. Some experiences should be savoured to the full, especially when they were soon to be soured by unwelcome news.

Excerpt – Rustam

Rustam sighed. “I’m guessing the hardest part will be persuading Risada to stay behind. Ouch!” He leaned against the stallion’s shoulder, pushing hard until the horse lifted the hoof he’d planted on Rustam’s foot. “What was that for?”
Rustam hopped a few steps, before rubbing his abused foot against the back of his other calf. He’d never held any illusions about the weight of the substantial animal even before being trodden on. “That’s going to be one almighty bruise, thank you very much. What did I say to offend you?”
Fleetfoot arched his neck, raising his head until he matched eyelines with Rustam. His expression revealed both dismay and disapproval. Rustam shook his head. “For someone who can’t utter words, you have an amazing ability to express your opinions. You think Risada should come with us, don’t you?” Fleetfoot bobbed his head down, once, twice.
“Do you have any idea how unwell she’s been? It probably isn’t safe for her to be riding yet, let alone going into the sort of country we need to scour.”
Fleetfoot swung his head away, effectively turning his back on Rustam.
“Fine! I’ll give her the option. I don’t fancy having to ride a strange horse, and I have a strong suspicion you’d make me do that, wouldn’t you?”
The bay stallion chewed thoughtfully, lowered his neck, and returned to his standing slumber.
I know when I’m beaten, Rustam acknowledged silently, jumping when Fleetfoot snorted. “What, even my thoughts aren’t private anymore?” He slapped the horse hard on the shoulder, smirking slightly as Fleetfoot flinched.
Rustam beat a speedy retreat to avoid any further bruising the huge horse might choose to inflict. Having an intelligent Shivan warhorse had its disadvantages.
It had advantages too.

$0.99 promotion

I shall also be running a 99c offer on THE PRINCE’S MAN #1 The Five Kingdoms concurrently.

Anyone out there who has an audience that might be interested, please share

I’ll be very happy to provide links, info, excerpts, cover pics, etc. please just ask.