![Artesans of Albia: First Artesans Trilogy Box Set by [Peace, Cas]](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516t0bhI8aL._SY346_.jpg)
I rather enjoyed this introductory tale to the realm of Albia, as it portrays a rather novel concept: think of one world arrayed on different levels – as in Dante’s depiction of hell. A place separated by astral schisms, collectively called, the veil. Travel between kingdoms can only be accomplished via special gateways, conjured by those possessing a rare and special elemental gift. Called Artesans, they devote their lives to the mastery of mind, body and the elements, and the acquiring of knowledge.
Our story begins in Albia, the fourth of five realms, and a land where sadly, the Artesan way of life is no longer valued. And that’s a problem for Taran Elijah. He is stalled as a Journeyman, the third of eight Artesan ranks with no one to help him progress.
Desperate to further his studies, Taran hits on a dangerous idea. He will travel to Andaria, the fifth realm, where Artesans are plentiful. Surely there will be somebody there who might be willing to help him stretch his potential toward advancement?
Taran is stretched alright, though not in the way he would want. And instead of teachers, he finds nothing but hostility and an eagerness to see him dead. His endeavors set in motion a series of events that not only place Taran in danger, but the rest of Albia too, for a cancer has been quietly eating its way through Andarian and Albian society that culminates with the fate of two worlds hanging in the balance.
Along the way, Taran discovers he hasn’t been told the whole truth about Artesans and what they can achieve, and while he gains access to powers beyond his wildest dreams, that power brings mortal terror in its wake. It would seem only a willingness to sacrifice everything might save the day.
I’ve got to say, the Artesans of Albia trilogy is a superb, tightly knit story that leads the reader through the trials and tribulations of a tight knit group of comrades and friends who discover just how treacherous life can be.
An excellent read and highly recommended.
Product Description
“Cas Peace's Artesans of Albia trilogy immediately sweeps you away: the drama starts with King's Envoy, continues unabated in King's Champion, and climaxes in King's Artesan, yet each volume is complete, satisfying. The Artesan series propels you into a world so deftly written that you see, feel, touch, and even smell each twist and turn. These nesting novels are evocative, hauntingly real. Smart. Powerful. Compelling. The trilogy teems with finely drawn characters, heroes and villains, and societies worth knowing; with stories so organic and yet iconic you know you've found another home—in Albia.”
~Janet Morris: author of The Sacred Band of Stepsons;
the Dream Dancer series; I, the Sun; Outpassage.
Taran Elijah’s quest for knowledge uncovers a plot that threatens the world...
King’s Envoy:
Desperate to learn how to control his innate Artesan powers, Taran embarks on a foolhardy plan to acquire the teaching he craves. The military backlash his action unleashes forces Albia’s High King to send Major Sullyan as an envoy to the Fifth Realm. But a dark and treacherous power is moving through the realms and all will feel its influence.
King’s Champion:
Captured and tortured by the power-hungry Lord Rykan, Sullyan is trapped in Andaryon. Aided by the unlikeliest sources, the major formulates a plan to defeat Rykan and end his quest for the throne. But Sullyan’s strength is fading fast and time is running out. The only thing that can save her is Rykan’s mysterious Staff, which lies buried in the ruins of Taran’s cellar.
King’s Artesan:
Sullyan’s lover, Robin Tamsen, sets out to recover the artefact, but the enemy is two steps ahead of him. If Robin fails to secure the Staff, Sullyan’s life, the Artesan craft, and the very existence of their world is under threat.
~Janet Morris: author of The Sacred Band of Stepsons;
the Dream Dancer series; I, the Sun; Outpassage.
Taran Elijah’s quest for knowledge uncovers a plot that threatens the world...
King’s Envoy:
Desperate to learn how to control his innate Artesan powers, Taran embarks on a foolhardy plan to acquire the teaching he craves. The military backlash his action unleashes forces Albia’s High King to send Major Sullyan as an envoy to the Fifth Realm. But a dark and treacherous power is moving through the realms and all will feel its influence.
King’s Champion:
Captured and tortured by the power-hungry Lord Rykan, Sullyan is trapped in Andaryon. Aided by the unlikeliest sources, the major formulates a plan to defeat Rykan and end his quest for the throne. But Sullyan’s strength is fading fast and time is running out. The only thing that can save her is Rykan’s mysterious Staff, which lies buried in the ruins of Taran’s cellar.
King’s Artesan:
Sullyan’s lover, Robin Tamsen, sets out to recover the artefact, but the enemy is two steps ahead of him. If Robin fails to secure the Staff, Sullyan’s life, the Artesan craft, and the very existence of their world is under threat.
