The Arcist Chronicles
Published by Guardbridge Books
Arcist magic (pronounced with a hard c: ARK-ist) is a magic of archetypes, a magic of emotions that can manipulate how people respond to the events around them, from very broad reactions of sadness, apathy, happiness, or anger, to much more nuanced responses. The Arcist Chronicles take place when this magic is a new force in the world, and its uses—and limits—very much still to be discovered.
Book One, The Silk Betrayal
A young man travels to the city to study magic, but he finds intrigue and revolution.
Pavresh hoped to master the intricacies of arcist magic. Instead, he finds himself entangled in the city's events. While princes scheme against each other for power, revolutionaries plot against them all to overthrow the rigid caste system. Poets try to inspire change with heretical words, while militants plan more forceful action. A woman born to the princely class, rendered untouchable by a disfiguring accident, sees in revolution a path to a better life. All these strands meet at the home of Chaitan, the elderly master magician from whom Pavresh wishes to learn.
In such an environment, betrayal is inevitable. When loyalties conflict, how does one decide whom to betray?
The print edition of the book was released in December, 2017 and the Kindle version followed soon after. It's beautiful, in both paperback and hardcover editions. If you are in the UK, you can get a copy faster and cheaper (with more money going to both publisher and author) directly from the publisher's website.
In December 2018, to mark one year since the print version's release, I wrote a series of mini essays and posts, giving a wide ranging view of the background of the world of the novel and its characters. Explore those posts—before, after, and while reading the novel—to learn more about arcist magic, the poetry of an imaginary world, avoiding cultural appropriation, and much more.
Book Two, The Roots of Betrayal
Terrorists attack the Princes, Outcasts build a new city, and the mage Pavresh discovers that Arcist Magic is more powerful than ever imagined.
- Storytelling as magic
- Dancing as rebellion
- Founding a more equal city
- Political intrigue
- A shocking archaeological discovery
And betrayal all around, from rivals, allies, and even history itself.
Order the book (many options to choose from) from my publisher's landing page!
Book Three, A Trade in Betrayals
New paths are forged between north and south, but the connections are not what either expects.
The new caste-less city hits hard times. Enemies decimate the food supply, and Jarrita fears they may not survive the winter.
The mage Pavresh discovers a new magical threat, a rival who corrupts Arcist magic to dominate victims' minds, and who may be too powerful for Pavresh to resist.
The scholar Harkala launches a voyage to sail to the Forgotten South, but stormy seas and foreign peoples thwart her goals.
After the capture of Prince Jasfer, his wife Datri acts as the spy-master in Chaitanshehar. But she hangs onto foolish hope that her husband may still be alive.
A cabal of villains presents the Eghsal Valley's greatest threat, but as they betray one another who is really in control?
Hot off the press!
For now only available as a print paperback. Check your favorite bookstore; otherwise here are some links I've found so far: Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Amazon UK
Check out the awesome map for the book below:
See all Silk Betrayal posts