Release Date: 26/11/13
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
The towering vertical city of Mahala is on the brink of war with its neighbouring countries. It might be his worst nightmare, but Rojan and the few remaining pain-mages have been drafted in to help. The city needs power in whatever form they can get it - and fast. With alchemists readying a prototype electricity generator, and factories producing guns faster than ever, the city's best advantage is still the mages. Leading the alchemists is Rojan's sister, with a risky plan to help tap the mages' strength and overcome the armies marching towards them. With food in the city running out, and a battle approaching that no one is ready for, risky is the best they've got ...
REVIEW:
The second novel in this cracking fantasy series is one that not only grabbed my attention with the debut but also has managed in this, the second book to not only expand upon the world but also help the character grow so much so that the series feels like its about to take on a life of its own.
Add to this some great twists, solid prose and a reluctant hero all round makes this a cracking fantasy to purchase for any fan of the genre. The only downside, is if you haven’t already read the first I’d suggest that you do so and if you have, then I’d suggest a reread, not because you’ll have forgotten any of the details but it’s a pleasurable way to help you relax and get the most from this book. Great stuff.
Release Date: 27/06/13
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
MAHALA - CITY OF CONTRASTS. LIGHT AND DARK. HOPE AND DESPAIR. Rojan Dizon just wants to keep his head down. But his worst nightmare is around the corner. With the destruction of their power source, the vertical city of Mahala is crisis. Riots are breaking out, mages are being murdered and the city is divided. But Rojan's hunt for the killers will make him responsible for complete anarchy. Either that, or an all-out war. And there's nothing Rojan hates more than being responsible. THE ADVENTURES OF ROJAN DIZON A tale of corruption and dark magic set in a world that's both vertigo-inducing and awe-inspiring.
REVIEW:
If you’re looking for something a little different in the Fantasy genre then Francis Knight is an author that you have to try, she’s created a wonderful inventive world and a whole concept of magic that really hasn’t been touched upon before. Yet for all the work that has gone into this, the real triumph is her characters, they’re vivid, are easy to picture and as the tale unfurls are a whole set of people that you really can’t help but want to spend time with.
Add to this solid prose, a kickass plotline and when added to an arc that really doesn’t let up from the word go all round gives the fantasy reader something to really get their teeth into. A real joy to behold. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Release Date: 26/02/13
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
FROM THE DEPTHS OF A VALLEY RISES THE CITY OF MAHALA It's a city built upwards - where streets are built upon streets, buildings upon buildings. A city that the Ministry rules from the sunlit summit, and where the forsaken lurk in the darkness of Under. Rojan Dizon doesn't mind staying in the shadows, because he's got things to hide. Things like being a pain-mage, with the forbidden power to draw magic from pain. But when the fate of Mahala depends on him using his magic, he can't hide for ever. THE FIRST ADVENTURE OF ROJAN DIZON A debut fantasy tale of corruption and dark magic set in a world that's both vertigo-inducing and awe-inspiring.
REVIEW:
Fantasy is something that can be very hard to get right. You need to have solid world building, a set of rules for the magick’s involved, a convincing history and then you have to work out your various cultures giving them an identity. All that and more were carefully added within this title and when Francis backed that up with a great storyline, top notch prose alongside a cast that really adds flavour all round makes this a cracking debut.
I really can’t wait to see what develops in future instalments and here’s hoping that the second book curse doesn’t strike as this is going to give me something to look forward to. Great stuff.
