Synopsis
The ruling family of the Soleri Empire has been in power longer than even the calendars that stretch back 2,826 years. Those records tell a history of conquest and domination by a people descended from gods, older than anything in the known world. No living person has seen them for centuries, yet their grip on their four subjugate kingdoms remains tighter than ever.
On the day of the annual eclipse, the Harkan king, Arko-Hark Wadi, sets off on a hunt and shirks his duty rather than bow to the emperor. Ren, his son and heir, is a prisoner in the capital, while his daughters struggle against their own chains. Merit, the eldest, has found a way to stand against imperial law and marry the man she desires, but needs her sister’s help, and Kepi has her own ideas.
Meanwhile, Sarra Amunet, Mother Priestess of the sun god’s cult, holds the keys to the end of an empire and a past betrayal that could shatter her family.
Detailed and historical, vast in scope and intricate in conception, Soleri bristles with primal magic and unexpected violence. It is a world of ancient and elaborate rites, of unseen power and kingdoms ravaged by war, where victory comes with a price, and every truth conceals a deeper secret.
Praise for SOLERI
"Soleri is bloody and utterly epic. A huge saga in a rich and deeply original world.” ―Lev Grossman, New York Times bestselling author
“Prepare to be ensnared in a web of ruthless politics and unbridled ambition, where even the authority of the emperor may be based on an ancient deception. Johnston builds an immersive world with elements of Egyptian and Roman history, myth, and religion. This story seethes with twists and turns, betrayals and secrets, and will keep you guessing until the very last page.” ―Cinda Williams Chima, New York Times bestselling author
My Review
Outstanding Fantasy with old traditions, this world created and ruled by the Gods Soleri, will captivate your soul and seduce you on an adventure you will never forget.
This story revolves around the Hark Wadi family, Royals of Harkana. Five members of the family are scattered in different directions, each with a specific agenda, a few not by choice.
This is by far, one of the most amazing reads I have absorbed. This creative world and strong characters will make you crave more. There is so much going on, following five people at once, you might feel overpowered, but you don't. It works. It's necessary for the story to build, as each member slowly gravitates to their end game.
There are moments of brutality, darkness, and deception. Two twists, MAJOR twists that left me in awe....awe of the author's creative mind because I NEVER saw it coming. I'm talking totally floored. Characters that you love, love to hate, and just plain hate, are strong, passionate and frustrating.
I want to shout out to the world to read this book. I want to talk about it, but not here. Stories like this, truly makes it challenging to write a review....you don't want to reveal any spoilers because it demands you to jump right in to fully capture the brilliance of the journey.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Johnston was born in 1973 in Cleveland, Ohio. As a child and a teen he was an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy. He studied architecture and ancient history at Lehigh University and during a lecture on the history of ancient Egypt, the seed of an idea was born. He earned a master’s degree in architecture from Columbia University, graduating at the top of his class. Michael worked as an architect in New York City before moving to Los Angeles. Sparked by the change of locale, a visit to the desert, and his growing dissatisfaction with the architectural industry, he sought a way to merge his interests in architecture and history with his love of fantasy. By day he worked as an architect, but by night he wrote and researched an epic fantasy novel inspired by the history of ancient Egypt and the tragic story of King Lear. After working this way for several years, he shut down his successful architecture practice and resolved to write full time. He now lives and writes in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.
You can find Michael on twitter @mjohnstonauthor
Photo Credit: Cathryn Farnsworth
WEBSITE: http://michaeljohnstonauthor.com/
TWITTER: @mjohnstonauthor
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5806715.Michael_Johnston
TWITTER: @mjohnstonauthor
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5806715.Michael_Johnston
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