"Readers who love medieval-esque fantasy will delight in this rousing tale of rebellion." - Publishers Weekly starred review of Book 1 in the series

The Heron Kings have been betrayed. A century after their formation from a gang of desperate peasant insurgents, the shadowy band of forest rangers suffers a rare defeat when a skirmish turns into a bloody ambush. Their shaky truce with the crown is tested as young members Linet and Aerrus work to track down their enemies. When reluctant peacetime soldier Eyvind reveals a conspiracy to welcome the charismatic invader Phynagoras, the trio must convince a weak king and pitifully few allies to stand against the storm.

Their only hope lies in the forgotten tactics of their own guerrilla past, and a terrifying new alchemical weapon the likes of which the world had never imagined. The only question is which side will be destroyed by it first...

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Second book in the highly praised series, following the starred review by Publishers Weekly for book one.

About the Author

Eric Lewis is the author of The Heron Kings, which Publishers Weekly calls an 'excellent debut'. It has been called 'dark, brutal and bloody' (Grimdark Magazine) and 'fast-paced & gripping' (British Fantasy Society) with 'a Robin Hood feel' (Booklist).

He is also the author of several works of speculative short fiction published in Nature, Cossmass Infinities, Electric Spec, Bards & Sages Quarterly, as well as the anthology Crash Code, the short story collection Tricks of the Blade and various other works.

His greatest writing influences include Frank Herbert, Robert Graves, Sharon Kay Penman, Colleen McCullough, Peter S. Beagle and Joe Abercrombie. By day he is a research scientist weathering the latest rounds of mergers and layoffs and trying to remember how to be a person again long after surviving grad school. When not subjecting his writing to one rejection after another he can sometimes be found browsing antique swords he can't afford online, or searching for the perfect hiking trail or archery range. Don't ask where because he's never lived anywhere for longer than five years. He engages in shameless self-promotion on Twitter @TheHeronKing and more information can be found on his website: ericlewis.ink

Reviews

Praise for The Heron Kings, book 1 in the series:

"Lewis's excellent debut introduces a band of well-drawn outlaws who don't care who wins the civil war that's ravaging their land, just so long as it ends [...] The central trio are marvelously realized, and their developments amid the ongoing horrors are effortlessly convincing. Readers who love medieval-esque fantasy will delight in this rousing tale of rebellion." - Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"Fast-paced and gripping, The Heron Kings is riveting stuff." - British Fantasy Society

"There's a Robin Hood feel to Lewis' debut, as average citizens rise up against the warmongering upper class with justified anger [...] Readers will root for the [characters]." - ALA Booklist

"A promising debut from Eric Lewis. The Heron Kings is full of consistent characters that are inspiring and tough. Gruesome at times, this shows the true savagery of war and has enough action and intrigue to keep you on your toes." - GrimDark Magazine

Book Information
ISBN 9781787586987
Author Eric Lewis
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Flame Tree Publishing
Publisher Flame Tree Publishing
Weight(grams) 198g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 27mm