Here be dragons! And oh, how wonderfully and vibrantly alive the dragons are that live in the Holt. With the inclusion of dreadful plots, brave inquisitors, clandestine groups, a secretive thief, and sleeping gods, this is an epic introduction to a new fantasy world. Author Bradley P. Beaulieu has created a fascinating land in which the story dwells, and as I fell into the The Book of the Holt: Part One, I became a part of my surroundings. The rapidly changing focus, the large numbers of characters, and the different settings, all ensure that this creation feels well-established and allows the fantasy to gradually form around you. The short chapters spin between characters, creating an energy that builds alongside an understanding of each person. Narrative themes of social and political issues, and identity and belonging play throughout the tale. The Dragons of Deepwood Fen sits as a wonderful opening into this new fantasy realm.
Lorelei Aurelius is the smartest inquisitor in the mountain city of Ancris. When a mysterious tip leads her to a clandestine meeting between the Church and the hated Red Knives, she uncovers a plot that threatens not only her home but the empire itself.
The trail leads to incarcerated thief Rylan Holbrooke. Realising that he's trying to solve the mystery she has just discovered, Lorelei makes the fateful decision to free him. Now branded as traitors, the two must flee on dragonback to the massive forest known as the Holt. And there they discover something terrible: the Red Knives are planning to awaken a powerful demi-god in the holiest shrine in Ancris.
Together, Lorelei and Rylan must return to the city and warn the very people who've vowed to capture them... before it's too late.
Cinematic and heartwarming... calls to mind Game of Thrones... Beaulieu delivers plenty of witty repartee and brings old tropes to life with new intricacies. Epic fantasy fans will feel right at home in this fun, familiar world - Publishers Weekly
Author
About Bradley P. Beaulieu
Bradley Beaulieu began writing his first fantasy novel in college, but in the way of these things, it was set aside as life intervened. As time went on, though, Bradley realized that his love of writing and telling tales wasn't going to just slink quietly into the night. He has written nine novels, two collections and countless short stories since then. He also runs the highly successful science fiction and fantasy podcast, Speculate.
