The Heart of the World is in prolonged strife with the Empire of Mann, an empire that has been conquering the world nation by nation..

Ash is a member of an elite group of assassins, the Rosun, who offer protection through the threat of vendetta. Forced by failing health, he chooses Nico, a desperate young man from Bar Khos, besieged for a decade by the Empire, as his apprentice.

When the son of the Matriarch kills a woman under the protection of the Roshun, Ash and Nico are sent to fulfill the mandate bringing them into the war, bloodshed, and death.

This is an auspicious debut, with twists of plot that keep you hooked. Page turner is too pale a description. With well drawn characters, a world that comes alive, and military action with intrigue, This looks like a series to collect. I am already looking for volume two. You will want to collect the whole series and watch for whatever he writes. Enjoyment awaits! ~~ Pam Allan