Dawn of a Dark Age (Runes of War: The Book of Man, Book 7) Jane Welch 9780008614720

The first book in a new epic fantasy trilogy by British author Jane Welch.

Prince Rollo's world is shattered by the death of his mother, Queen Ursula. But even before he can grieve he faces the bitter disappointment of being overlooked as his mother's heir in favour of his younger sister; as only the female line in Artor's Royal family inherit the magical power to control the Great Bears of Artor (a talent every sovereign must possess). Seething with self loathing, grief and disappointment Rollo focuses his anger and resentment upon his father.

Deeply concerned for his son Spar decides to leave his daughter, now Artor's Queen, and take 13 year old Rollo half way across the world to Torra Alta, his barony in Belbidia, to claim the only birthright left to him.

But fifteen years have passed since Spar left Hal and Brid as guardians of his remote fortress and in the intervening years, many things have changed. Beasts of legend have grown in strength and will. A huge golden dragon plagues the mountains and swarms of Hobs ransack the fertile plains of Belbidia.

Fourteen years ago the Chalice of OEnd, was lost. A sacred artefact with the power to transfer the magic of one object to another the chalice is the only explanation for the rising threat. If this powerful weapon has fallen into the wrong hands the dawn of a dark age will come to Belbidia.

Jane Welch was born in Foremarke, a hamlet in the very centre of rural England, exactly where more than a thousand years ago the Viking Great Army camped for the winter. Their forces were led by three of Ragnar Lothbrok's sons, including Ivar the Boneless.

Jane spent her childhood either at Foremarke, or in the remote coastal wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. In her younger days, she spent five years in the Pyrenees teaching skiing with her husband, surrounded by the magic of those ancient mountains.

Sine then, Jane has written nine fantasy novels, which form the Runespell series. The novels carry the echo of these wild places so dear to her heart. Presently, Jane is excited to be working on a new series, originally inspired by a climb to a Mediterranean lighthouse and looking down at an ancient harbour below.

Jane lives in beautiful Devon on the south west coast of England with her family and their noble dog, Odin.

PRAISE FOR JANE WELCH

"A blockbuster fantasy"
SFX

"As intriguing as anything Tolkien dreamed up."
Starburst

"Wonderful author, in the Robert Jordan mould"
The Bookseller