Ashen Torment

From celebrated fantasy author Den Patrick comes Witchsign, the first novel in a fresh and exciting new fantasy trilogy. It has been 75 years since the dragons’ rule of fire and magic was ended. Out of the ashes, the Solmindre Empire was born. Since then, the tyrannical Synod has worked hard to banish all manifestations of the arcane from existence. However, children are still born bearing the taint of the arcane, known to all as witchsign. Vigilants are sent out across the continent of Vinterkveld to find and capture all those bearing the mark.

Steiner, blacksmith, hero, has taken a hammer to the Empire, freeing the dead and children with withchsign alike from their fiery prison. Now he plans to finish what he started. Kimi, dragon-speaker, princess, must seek her father’s court and win the support of his armies before news of her escape dooms her people. Silverdust, ancient, dead, journeys to the heart of the empire as a prisoner - to meet the Emperor for what he hopes will be the final time. Kjellrun, witch, killer, still reeling from the loss of her uncle when she is ripped from her family, fears this power within her.

The sky is filled with dragons: the people are ready to burn the regime to the ground. The seas churn with monsters, and the tide is changing: revolution is coming. Steiner has at last realised the part he will play in this fight. Kimi knows now what it is to lead, but must learn to overcome differences if she is to unite and defeat the dragon factions. Silverdust inches towards a final revenge. Across the ocean, Kjellrun feels the call of war. But she must reconcile her new responsibilities to the people of the temple with the urge to find her family.