Of Kings, Queens and Colonies: Coronam Book I Johnny Worthen 9781787585980

"...a masterful epic of exploration and exile." - Lee Murray, double Bram Stoker Award (R)-winner and author of Grotesque: Monster Stories

" Insightful and highly entertaining!" - Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of Relentless and V-Wars

"...this is the beginning of an outstanding epic that will have broad appeal, especially to the readers of the Dune saga. Highly recommended for all sf collections." - Booklist Starred Review

Of Kings, Queens and Colonies: (Coronam Book 1) is a multi-protagonist story set in the human future where the politics and players of sixteenth century Europe echo the repeated mistakes of humanity at another crucial crossroads of decision and evolution.

Nearly a millennium after The Unsettling of old Earth, the new civilized worlds are on the brink of war. The planet Enskari, as an affront to tradition and the Prophet on Temple, has placed Zabel, a woman upon its throne. With the backing of the church, Brandon of Hyrax readies an armada to subdue Enskari and unite the system under a single rule-his own.

Meanwhile an Enskaran group of separatists depart for the last unclaimed world of the system, Tirgwenin. There they will find something strange. Something low and connective, subtle and spreading. Something alien. Something truly threatening.

FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

Johnny Worthen is an award-winning, multi-genre, tie-dye-wearing author, voyager, and damn fine human being! Trained in literary criticism and cultural studies he earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Utah. Beyond English on a good day, he speaks Danish and reads Latin. He is a Utah Writer of the Year.

An avowed Deconstructionist, Johnny writes up-market stories from the inside out, beginning with theme and pursuing an idea through whatever genre will best serve it. So far he has published fiction novels as mystery, young adult, comedy, urban fantasy, horror and science fiction, both traditionally and indie.

A frequent presenter and panelist at writing conferences and fan conventions, he is active in local communities of artists and writers. A long-time volunteer for the League of Utah Writers, the state's oldest and largest writing organization, he has served several high positions of leadership including President from 2018-2020.

When not writing his own stuff, Johnny edits professionally for a small dark fiction press in Los Angeles and teaches Creative Writing at the University of Utah as an Associate Instructor. He lives in Sandy Utah with his wife, sons and cats. There's also a lawn.

"A clever and exciting collision of space opera, high adventure, and devious politics. Insightful and highly entertaining!"

"Political and prophetic, comprising battles and betrayals, bourgeoisie and brutes, and the persistent hum of bees, Of Kings, Queens & Colonies is a masterful epic of exploration and exile. A cautionary tale for citizens of the Old Planet. Sure to be on the award lists."

"Worthen shows himself a master of style and substance...".

"The worlds of Coronam, with their mixture of old and new technologies, create a unique setting for an ageless story about humanity."

"Johnny Worthen is a bold and imaginative writer; his Coronam work is a fascinating look at our troubling history through the lens of tomorrow."

"With Of Kings Queens and Colonies, Johnny Worthen creates an immersive and compelling world populated by vivid characters. As always, his excellent writing is saturated with humor and humanity. Highly recommended."

"...this is the beginning of an outstanding epic that will have broad appeal, especially to the readers of the Dune saga. Highly recommended for all sf collections."