Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in archaeology when he started work on his first job. Four hours later he realized how much he hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist. These interests and experiences provided fodder for his burgeoning writing career. He lives in Vancouver, Canada, with his wife and is director of strategic program development at the Vancouver Film School.
Praise for Knight's Shadow: "The shocking ending left my completely
stunned . . . Knight's Shadow is the best book I have read this
year so far and I'm not sure anything coming out this year can hope
to top it!"--The Arched Doorway
Praise for Traitor's Blade (A Library Journal Best Debut)
"Traitor's Blade is a swashbuckling romp packed with charisma,
camaraderie, quick wit and even quicker swordplay. That said, it's
far from candy-coated - and it packs some serious substance . . .
darkness is served up deliciously in Traitor's Blade - only de
Castell uses it as the sauce, not the soup . . . What makes the
book truly sing, though, is its rich historical backdrop . . . De
Castell's fight scenes are as sumptuously detailed as the world
Falcio inhabits. . . In its own way, Traitor's Blade is as grim and
dark as the edgiest fantasy series on the shelves. It's also shot
through with heroics, hope and a dazzling aptitude for fun."--Jason
Heller, NPR
"Traitor's Blade was one of the most enjoyable fantasy debuts of
the last year . . . both stem from a time when fantasy was just
plain fun and promised quests and excitement, when you opened a
book expecting to be entertained . . . It's easy to love de
Castell's work . . . readable fantasy at its
finest."--Upcoming4me
"[Knight's Shadow] will blow you away . . . Sebastien de Castell
has really, really outdone himself. . . I probably will have to
wait another year for the third book in the series but it is
definitely worth the wait. The Greatcoats series should be on every
reading list."-- The Book Plank
"De Castell's superb writing and pacing result in a headlong rush
of excitement to the very last page . . . Like Joe Abercrombie,
Sebastien de Castell excels at creating characters who give their
all in service to a cause, even if it destroys them. The twists and
turns make Knight's Shadow a page-turner in the truest, most
satisfactory sense of the term."
--Jim Basile, The Oklahoman
"Ends on a satisfying conclusion that nevertheless leaves room for
the story to continue in Saint's Blood."--Starburst Magazine
"How wonderful it is to be back into this world . . . wildly
entertaining . . . Greatcoats is now up there on my list of
favorite fantasy series, and I never miss a chance to recommend it
to my fellow readers and friends."--Bibliosanctum
"Like the sword its disgraced protagonist carries, Traitor's Blade
is short and sharp and smart, and very well wielded, really . . .
With a tip of his hat at Alexandre Dumas, Sebastien de Castell make
a fine first impression in this entertaining debut."--Tor
"My love for the first book could have been a fluke, but this
second book has cemented my love for the series before it has even
finished. It was so invigorating to go on this dangerous, and
sometimes painful, but ultimately satisfying adventure with Falcio,
Kest, Brasti and the rest of the Greatcoats. This is a series I
recommend everyone to read!"--My Bookish Whimsy
"Sebastien De Castell manages to wring every heart wrenching moment
and ounce of anticipation from every scene, his fight scenes
contain dark humor, explosive action and a great awareness of the
art of sword fighting, all of which has you hanging on the edge of
every page. (There are also some truly laugh out loud moments in
this book.) . . . An exceptional book and series . . . this book is
clearly going to be a stand out title."--Parmenion Books
"The best Musketeers trope since Dumas's original . . . Fights are
well-thought out as de Castell is a former "fight choreographer" (I
dare you to put that on your tax return). Fighting, swordplay, and
escaping from same form most of the action alongside ten kinds of
witty banter, bravado and brio- make no mistake, this is a fun
read. The light tone is challenged by ruthless villains, especially
Duchess Patriana who, though truly repugnant, is as notably
well-constructed as other female characters. An energetic, fun
adventure that puts the 'musk' back in 'musketeer.' Guaranteed to
increase household swashbuckling by 100%."--Library Journal
"This is fast, fantastic fun--and it has an excellent character
piece wrapped inside it . . . a great read, and very much a worthy
sequel."-- Sci-fi and Fantasy Reviews
"This sequel to de Castell's debut, Traitor's Blade, manages to
defeat the second book curse and is just as lively, engaging, and
action packed as its predecessor. A must-read for fans of Michael
Sullivan and Mark Lawrence, this book will have broad appeal to
both teen and adult readers of swashbuckling heroic
fantasy."--Library Journal
"This time around we get a much more up close and personal look
into not just Falcio but Kest and Brasti as well. It was what I was
hoping for and I was not disappointed!"--Not Yet Read
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