Isak is a white-eye, born bigger, more charismatic and more powerful than normal men... but with that power comes an unpredictable temper and an inner rage. Feared and despised by those around him, he dreams of a place in the army and a change to live his own life, but the Gods have other plans for the intemperate teenager. Isak has been Chosen as heir-elect to the brooding Lord Bahl, the white-eye Lord of the Farlan.

The white-eyes were created to bring order out of chaos, for their magnetic charm and formidable strength makes them natural leaders of men. Lord Bahl is typical of the breed: he inspires and oppresses those around him in equal measure. He's a difficult mentor for a boy every bit as volatile as himself.

This is a time for revenge, and for the forging of empires. With mounting envy and malice, the men who would themselves be kings watch Isak as he is shaped and moulded to fulfil the prophecies that circle him like scavenger birds. The Gods are once again beginning to meddle in the affairs of men.

Lord Bahl is dead and the young white-eye, Isak, stands in his place; less than a year after being plucked from obscurity and poverty the charismatic new Lord of the Farlan finds himself unprepared to deal with the attempt on his life that now spells war, and the possibility of rebellion waiting for him at home. Now the eyes of the Land turn to the minor city of Scree, which could soon be obliterated as the new Lord of the Farlan flexes his powers.

Scree is suffering under an unnatural summer drought and surrounded by volatile mercenary armies that may be its only salvation. This is a strange sanctuary for a fugitive abbot to flee to - but he is only the first of many to be drawn there. Kings and princes, lords and monsters; all walk the sun-scorched streets.

As elite soldiers clash after dark and actors perform cruel and subversive plays that work their way into the hearts of the audience, the city begins to tear itself apart - yet even chaos can be scripted. There is a malevolent will at work in Scree, one that has a lesson for the entire Land: nations can be manipulated, prophecies perverted and Gods denied.

Nothing lies beyond the reach of a shadow, and no matter how great a man`s power, there are some things he cannot be protected from.

To be published 18 December 2008

Scree has been destroyed; wiped from the face of the Land in a brutal demonstration of intent, but even before the fires have gone out, the stakes are raised to the heavens.

Now the Gods themselves have entered the fray.

Returning home to a nation divided by fanaticism, Isak is haunted both by the consequences of his actions in Scree and visions of impending death, while the newly-militant priesthoods scream for blood. As a white-eye, Isak knows he must embrace the darkness inside him or be consumed by it.

Now, as the nation teeters on the brink of collapse, Isak realises the fanatics must be embraced while his personal demons offer a chance to take the fight to the enemy. One chance to escape the prophecies and plots that shackle him, but at a horrifying cost.

With the battle lines vague and allegiances uncertain, now is the time for heartless decisions and ruthless action. Two figures oppose Isak and his allies: the greatest warrior in history who dreams of empire and Godhood, and a newborn baby whose dreams have no limit.