Previous cover edition for ASIN B00RH7F3OM For alternate cover edition see here Arcane magic can be a ruinous power, despite admirable intentions. A mysterious scroll finds its way into Lord Severun’s hands, enabling him to release a dangerous experiment upon Wesson. With Sergeant Falchion unable to forgive himself for aiding the wizard, and desperate factions taking advantage of the devastating aftermath, Falchion embarks on an arduous quest alongside friends and strangers alike. However, even if their attempt to seek aid is successful and the city is saved, they risk revealing a secret that threatens much more than Wesson alone. From a fantasy world not too dissimilar to our own dark and bloody histories, the beginning of an epic tale is told. Incredible magic is unleashed, allies become enemies; unlikely friendships are forged, and a foul plot is discovered that will shatter the long lasting peace of Altoln and her allies, plunging them into a gritty, brutal conflict that falls far from the fluffy fairytales of old.

With sufficient scheming & force of will, the unthinkable becomes the inevitable. Marked for death by the Black Guild, King Barrison's lords scramble to see him protected. But what repercussions come from a master assassin acting behind another's back? What comes from said master involving another guild altogether? War, plain and simple, although the resulting conflict is anything but. From gargantuan scale-suspended land-masses to leagues of caravan paths across plateaus and passes, Brisance crumbles into disarray and a single name is whispered on the lips of many: Dignaaln, emissary.

Tragedy rarely visits alone; when one hero falls, more usually follow, such is the nature of war. Whilst Cheung travels Brisance and the Black Guild tears itself apart, Correia Burr rides for The Marches with her trusted Pathfinders, in search of an enemy they know nothing about. But when her network of informers yield little, Correia makes a necessary decision to lead her closest companions beyond Altoln’s borders, into Sirreta and the unknown. What they find forces Correia back, and on again, in a race to Wesson, leaving far more than her friends behind. Throughout it all: massing armies, shocking betrayals and devastating, heart-breaking losses, a familiar name continues to be whispered on the lips of many: Dignaaln, emissary.

Fourth book in the Black Powder Wars series, Black Prince is currently being written by J P Ashman. Release date TBC