Sword And Fire - The Mercian Chronicles'I was hooked from the very start! This series is a must-read for fans of rich high fantasy adventure. ' A ReaderThe war drums sounded through the foothills surrounding the mighty fortress.

Their low ominous beat a warning of impending, inevitable doom. Death was coming, he could feel it.

Meloc came to Welfasten to warn Feitar, the city chief of an evil presence growing in the darkness and the disappearances of the Mercian magikborne. However, he had not made it past the great city walls and had been thrown in prison accused of practising illegal magik.

Feitar offers him two choices: either be sent to Eldingar Tower and undergo the unmynstering to remove his magik or find the Serpent's Breath, the lost galdor weapons of Mercia, the only weapons able to destroy the magically enhanced Dunmuir army. To the hunted warlock either choice could have deadly consequences.

Which will he risk losing; his life or his magik?The Reviews 'A dark, gritty, atmospheric fantasy novel with a gripping plot and complex characters. ' A R.

'From the moment I delved into the pages of this gripping tale, I was utterly captivated. The intricate world-building and vivid descriptions pulled me into a realm filled with dark magic, looming threats, and characters so complex they practically leap off the page.

Meloc's journey, fraught with danger and impossible choices, kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. A must-read for any fan of high fantasy adventure.

Prepare to be spellbound. ' AR.

'I'm partial to a good fantasy adventure. It needs to have great worldbuilding, fascinating characters and a good dose of magic.

A quest is essential and bonus points will be awarded for some surprises. This story delivers on all of the above.

Meloc is a slightly dubious warlock, in a land where magic occupies a somewhat ambiguous place. He wants to warn people of the impending doom provided by an invading army.

Instead, he's imprisoned. Then he's given a choice.

His adventures are just beginning. What follows is an epic quest, as he seeks the magic weapons of old to save his lands, not to mention his life.

There is just about non-stop action, with a cast of creatures that all leap from the pages as they seek to thwart him and his allies. The land of Mercia comes alive under Reed's pen, every dark and brooding part of it is vividly described, while the action scenes are frantic and visceral.

Bring on the next instalment. ' RD.