A new epic arises! The Roots of Stone is the ultimate fantasy series for the gaming and anime generation.
As fell beasts roam the fair lands of Talamh, Prince Arjen of Carth sets forth on a solitary quest to seek and destroy the source of the growing threat - THE KING OF ALL BEASTS - as a new age of evil and oppression appears on the horizon. The King has risen from the grave to obliterate the proud civilizations of man, and Arjen is the last hope in a world on the brink of destruction.
Even as Arjen pursues the fabled King of All Beasts, dark forces begin to gather across the land. Among these emerging enemies is the greatest assassin in all of Talamh: Cystenian the Hunter. Never before has any quarry escaped him, and now his sights are set squarely on the Prince of Carth. The obsessive hunter will not rest until his Hunt has found satisfaction in the death of his target.
Who is prey, and who is predator? The answer will determine the fate of the world.
Lionheart is the first book in author Evan W. Deal's debut fantasy series: The Roots of Stone.
Evan W. Deal is the author and publisher of Lionheart, Book One of The Roots of Stone. By day, he develops consumer experience and marketing strategy for a Fortune 500 biotech company, but by night he delves into the world of Talamh to bring wondrous tales of adventure to his readers. He is literally an award-winning marketer and hopefully a soon-to-be award-winning fantasy author. Evan holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and children.
Contents
Map of Talamh iii
Names and Pronunciation iv
Prologue - A Ghost in the Shadows 1
Festivities 6
The Shadowcat Hunt 19
Moving Target 29
Dire Tidings 40
A Beast in the Hall 51
A Feast in the Valley 64
Dar Exul 76
The Hunt Begins 88
The Hermit of the Hills 98
The Hunting Party Returns 108
Lessons 120
In the Hall of the Dead Queen 131
On the Scent 143
Remains 155
The Chase 169
Túr Claíomh 184
Knives in the Night 193
A Tale of Beasts and Woe 203
Blood Oath 215
The Solitary Hill 230
Natural Camouflage 244
A Meeting in Arwhal 254
Fyre and Fell Things 268
Trial of the Stoneheart 281
New Companions 293
Scoundrels and Their Like 306
Swift Decisions 317
Friend or Foe? 330
Scare Tactics 343
Raiders on the Caerulus 357
Northern Terrors 373
Animus 388
Sunburst 398
Dominion 408
The Darkness and the Light 420
Midnight 432
The Wolf's Den 447
Certain Death 463
The King of All Beasts 479
Master and Apprentice 491
The Beast Inside 506
The Way of Destiny 518
Lionheart 536
A New Queen Ascends 554
Epilogue - The Journey Continues 566
Acknowledgements 573
About the Author 574
Schweitzer Klassifikation
