The Briar King

A wonderful tale . . . It crackles with suspense and excitement from start to finish.--Terry Brooks Two thousand years ago, the Born Queen defeated the Skasloi lords, freeing humans from the bitter yoke of slavery. But now monstrous creatures roam the land--and destinies become inextricably entangled in a drama of power and seduction. The kings woodsman, a rebellious girl, a young priest, a roguish adventurer, and a young man made suddenly into a knight--all face malevolent forces that shake the foundations of the kingdom, even as the Briar King, legendary harbinger of death, awakens from his slumber. At the heart of this many-layered tale is Anne Dare, youngest daughter of the royal family . . . upon whom the fate of her world may depend.Praise for The Briar King Starts off with a bang, spinning a snare of terse imagery and compelling characters that grips tightly and never lets up. . . . A graceful, artful tale from a master storyteller.--Elizabeth Haydon, bestselling author of Prophecy: Child of Earth The characters in The Briar King absolutely brim with life. . . . Keyes hooked me from the first page,and Ill now be eagerly anticipating sitting down with each future volume of the Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone series.--Charles de Lint, award-winning author of Forests of the Heartand The Onion Girl A thrill ride to the end, with plenty of treachery, revelation, and even a few bombshell surprises.--Monroe News-Star (LA)