Simon Rutter

Sorrow's Crown Simon Rutter

Having saved the Monarchy from genocidal misrule Ailwick Zhala has decided that, because she thinks she'd be rather good at it, she should become its ruler. Despite the best efforts of her band of curious friends and her father the task of ascending to the head of the Monarchy is challenging and unpredictable. Somewhere below the Folk of the Monarchy in shadowy caverns of the Second Sea their ancient adversaries, the titans, are stirring from a period of long dormancy to pose an existential threat. Zhala's political struggles are compounded by imminent invasion and occupation. In this febrile environment even Zhala's considerable guile, supernatural powers and lack of any moral restraint are tested to their limits by treachery and ill fortunes. Everywhere she turns she is haunted by the reflected echoes of the Monarchy's ancient past and the only reliable prediction she can make is that nothing will proceed according to plan.