The Allegiance of Man (Runes of War: The Book of Man, Book 9) Jane Welch 9780008614744

The concluding book in a new epic fantasy trilogy by British author Jane Welch A lucky subterfuge has fooled the Golden Dragon into leaving Opal Island; and she has trailed the Pisceran Porpoise out to sea believing that the newly-repaired Chalice of Ond - the only hope of resurrection for her precious golden son - is hidden beneath her decks. On board, amidst the dragon-attacks, Lord Casper worries for his own son, Rollo, abandoned on the hob-infested rock. But Rollo has the real chalice in his possession and although the responsibility weighs heavily, he must find a way to elude Silas's minions and travel across the ocean to find his father - if Isolde is ever to regain her humanity, to reunite Aranthane with his wife or save Leaf's dying people. Rollo must learn to harness the strange power which lies unpredictably within his body to ensure that Silas's invasion of Belbidia is stopped and that Torra Alta, the only home he has left, is rescued.

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