Stories of the Puzzle Lands – Book 1
by Linda Nagata
$4.99 (Novel) ISBN 978-1-937197-08-7
A tale of love, war, murder, marriage, and fate.
Ketty is a pretty shepherdess with a contrary nature, who runs away from home to escape an unwanted marriage. As she flees along the forest road, she prays to the Dread Hammer for help—and to her astonishment help comes in the form of a charming and well-armed young murderer named Smoke. As Ketty soon discovers, Smoke is not entirely human.
Smoke, too, is taken by surprise at their encounter. He had lurked beside the forest road intending to pierce hearts and slit throats, not to fall in love. But love it is—or it would be—if only he can convince Ketty that marriage is better than death.
But just when happily-ever-after seems within reach, Smoke’s past returns to claim him. A deserter from the Koráyos army, his supernatural skill at killing is still very much in demand. Now the army wants him back.
The Dread Hammer is an enthralling, dark tale of love, war, murder, marriage, and fate.
Purchase the paper edition of The Dread Hammer from Powell’s Books
REVIEWS:
“Richly developed characters drive the action of the novel and lend it the feel of an epic fantasy without the page count. The book’s hero, Smoke, is an almost mythic figure: complex, powerful, and conflicted. Smoke’s relationships are filled with turmoil, passion, and deeply human moments. Smoke’s vulnerability serves as an excellent contrast to his power.”
–Jared Nelson
“Known previously for her excellent Science Fiction novels, Linda Nagata surprised me [with a] great fantasy story…Lots of action and humor.”
–JHG Hendriks
Also see: Hepen The Watcher — Stories of the Puzzle Lands – Book 2