Mazarkis Williams read modern history at university and has worked as an editor, copyeditor, and graphic designer, and has been in the same tabletop role-playing game for fifteen years.
'A riveting and intense debut ... compelling characterizations will keep fans of grim fantasy entirely enthralled' Publisher's Weekly. 'It makes for a rich and entertaining storytelling environment, and Williams creates a twisty and enjoyable tale ... this is strongly recommended' SFX. 'The Emperor's Knife is a well-crafted narrative ... The story flows well and the writing strikes a great balance between description and action' British Fantasy Journal. 'The Emperor's Knife is a tale of fear and fluidity, of evolution and ego, and is one that is dictated in a style so visual and penetrating that it will have the Pattern invading your dreams long after the final pages have turned' Fantasy Book Review. 'sophisticated and thoughtful' SF signal. 'This novel puts great writing to the service of vivid characters, a compelling plot and a wholly convincing fantasy world' Ben Aaronovitch. 'A fascinating, original and enthralling debut that will leave the reader eagerly awaiting the next instalment' The Founding Fields. 'This amazing tale of magic and political scheming is a work of high fantasy in every way ... A grown-up and utterly brilliantly well-wrought epic fantasy' Ranting Dragon. 'A must read - it's fresh, it's exciting and [...] looks set to get even better!' Fantasy Faction. 'Fans of fantasy intrigue will want to try this new author' Library Journal. 'A strong fantasy novel with a fresh setting, rich characters and an enjoyable storyline' Adam Whitehead, The Wertzone. 'An ambitious debut novel ... demonstrates great deal of promise in its author' Justin Landon, Staffer's Musings. 'A debut with great potential' Stefan Fergus, Civilian Reader. 'Mazarkis Williams ... immediately ranks among the year's most exciting new fantasy authors' Fantasy Book Critic. 'Some wonderfully imaginative ideas that will [...] keep you reading' Book Monkey. 'It's a highly complex novel, filled with devious sub-plots, and enough twists to satisfy even the most demanding reader' Popcorn Reads. 'Replete with political intrigue and mystery, The Emperor's Knife is a story I will remember' Tim's Book Reviews. 'An ambitious, sophisticated and thoughtful debut novel' SF Signal.
'A riveting and intense debut ... compelling characterizations will keep fans of grim fantasy entirely enthralled' Publisher's Weekly. 'It makes for a rich and entertaining storytelling environment, and Williams creates a twisty and enjoyable tale ... this is strongly recommended' SFX. 'The Emperor's Knife is a well-crafted narrative ... The story flows well and the writing strikes a great balance between description and action' British Fantasy Journal. 'The Emperor's Knife is a tale of fear and fluidity, of evolution and ego, and is one that is dictated in a style so visual and penetrating that it will have the Pattern invading your dreams long after the final pages have turned' Fantasy Book Review. 'sophisticated and thoughtful' SF signal. 'This novel puts great writing to the service of vivid characters, a compelling plot and a wholly convincing fantasy world' Ben Aaronovitch. 'A fascinating, original and enthralling debut that will leave the reader eagerly awaiting the next instalment' The Founding Fields. 'This amazing tale of magic and political scheming is a work of high fantasy in every way ... A grown-up and utterly brilliantly well-wrought epic fantasy' Ranting Dragon. 'A must read - it's fresh, it's exciting and [...] looks set to get even better!' Fantasy Faction. 'Fans of fantasy intrigue will want to try this new author' Library Journal. 'A strong fantasy novel with a fresh setting, rich characters and an enjoyable storyline' Adam Whitehead, The Wertzone. 'An ambitious debut novel ... demonstrates great deal of promise in its author' Justin Landon, Staffer's Musings. 'A debut with great potential' Stefan Fergus, Civilian Reader. 'Mazarkis Williams ... immediately ranks among the year's most exciting new fantasy authors' Fantasy Book Critic. 'Some wonderfully imaginative ideas that will [...] keep you reading' Book Monkey. 'It's a highly complex novel, filled with devious sub-plots, and enough twists to satisfy even the most demanding reader' Popcorn Reads. 'Replete with political intrigue and mystery, The Emperor's Knife is a story I will remember' Tim's Book Reviews. 'An ambitious, sophisticated and thoughtful debut novel' SF Signal.
A strange plague that marks its victims with geometric patterns before it kills them or makes them a carrier for the evil Pattern Master sweeps across the Cerrani Empire. The Emperor has decreed death for anyone infected, but now he, too, has the marks and hopes that his agents can find a cure. Meanwhile, Sarmin, the Emperor's sole surviving brother, awaits the bride chosen for him, Mesema, a windreader of the nomadic horse tribes, and Eyul, the Emperor's "Knife," grows tired of killing for his lord. VERDICT Williams's fantasy debut, the first volume of a projected trilogy, details an exotic world that combines Asian and Middle Eastern cultural references with subtle intrigue and a touch of romance. Fans of fantasy intrigue will want to try this new author. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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