Synopsis
The cruel emperor Biago is searching for peace, but plotters behind his own throne are planning to bring him down. He must turn to a young prince and an old enemy in order to turn the world away from a betrayal that will spell disaster.
Marco¿s epic military fantasy has won fans across the world and has been widely translated.
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Review
As John Marco's Tyrants and Kings fantasy epic progresses, its emphases have shifted; by the third volume, The Saints of the Sword, his original hero, the talented turncoat commander known as the Jackal of Nar is only one of several viewpoint characters and the formerly villainous Biaggio has become one of the book's emotional centres. Along with the narcotic that kept him young, Biaggio has discarded his earlier ruthlessness--he wants peace. This is a world in which old allies are new enemies, and Biaggio is forced to recruit for his cause from the least likely of sources--men like Richius whom he tried for years to kill, or like the Saints of the Sword, religious nationalist terrorists who loathe everything he stands for. And yet, as he persuades first the magically gifted boy Alzarian and then Jelena the Queen of the maritime nation of Liss, he is, in spite of his past sins, the last best hope of civilization and peace.
Marco's approach here is surprisingly adult for what started as a more conventional fantasy; the moral evolution of Biaggio is plausible and the preparedness of his old enemies to compromise more sympathetically portrayed than one would have imagined two volumes earlier. --Roz Kaveney
From the Publisher
Great reviews for the conclusion to Marco's epic trilogy
"Finely crafted, fluid writing and fully realized characters...Marco can hold his own as a writer with other major fantasists, including Stephen Donaldson and Terry Brooks" Publisher's Weekly
"Absolutely riveting...Marco's skills with character, pacing and plot are all excellent--something which is rare in epic fantasy today. Highly recommended." Internet Writing Journal
"A terrific finale to Tyrants and Kings...The action and adventure of each of the previous novels are equalled this time around, in quality, quantity and artistic approach." Fantastica Daily
"John Marco will be remembered generations from now as one of the best epic fantasy writers of the early 21st century. His newest, The Saints of the Sword, adds brilliant new colors to his Naren landscape...Marco's Tyrants and Kings series is a truly unforgettable saga." Explorations
"Once again John Marco has outdone himself with this last book in the Tyrants and Kings trilogy. The characters are richly developed, the storyline is intriguing and the world is fascinating...Every word is wonderful and shouldn't be missed." BookBrowser
"A tribute to Marco's fertile imagination. . .readers who relished what has gone before won't be unhappy with this continuation." Booklist
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