The basilisk throne

For this rollicking high fantasy, Keyes (Realms of the Breathless) unites the human kingdoms of Ophion, Velesa, and Modjal against the nonhuman Drehhu empire, evil magicians who have enslaved many humans and rule over all from the Basilisk Throne. Adm. Alastor Nevelon of rural Orphion teaches his son, Crespin, leadership and manhood while sailing against the throne with the attacking Ophion armada, and sends his spunky daughter, Chrysanthe, as a hostage and spy to a hostile household. Meanwhile, in the spooky abode of mysterious sorcerer Veulkh, young sex-slave Ammolite works to escape, helped by a near-feral youth called Hound. Behind all the personal and political machinations lurks the enigmatic Cryptarchia, a secretive sect with its own agenda. Hornblower-esque naval engagements, sexy intrigue among the Ophion elites, and shape-shifting wizardly entanglements ensue, with plenty of colorful locales, abundant magic, and solidly convincing character development along the way. This entertaining yarn is sure to leave high fantasy fans hungry for more. (Apr.)

War is coming as the three human empires, Ophion, Velesa, and Modjal, converge to defeat the nonhuman Drehhu empire, obtain the Basilisk Throne, and rule the world. For the Nevelon family, the stakes couldn't be higher, as they are on the precipice of losing everything. To stave off destruction, Admiral Nevelon concedes to sail his merchant fleet to help the human emperor, while he sends his daughter, Chrysanthe, to the Ophion capitol city as a hostage and spy. However, the war is not what it seems, as a centuries-old sorcerer may hold the key to defeating the Drehhu, and both Chrysanthe and Admiral Nevelon are faced with choices that may lead to ruin, betrayal, death--or victory. VERDICT Keyes's (Realms of the Deathless) high seas, epic fantasy is fast-paced, contains exceptional worldbuilding, and offers multiple intricate plots woven together to create a marvelous adventure that will appeal to Game of Thrones fans. Readers will eagerly await future volumes. --Laura Hiatt