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The Edict

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Amidst robberies, prison breaks, palace intrigues, and an oncoming war, the struggle for peace rests on the shoulders of unlikely allies...

The Reluwyn Empire of Emrilion spans from the Northern Moors to the Tao Desert. The Laowyn, a people chosen by the Spirit, are subject to the Regent’s harsh rule on behalf of the Prince and a raft of oppressive Edicts is about to tip the scales toward rebellion. The Laowyn Resistance defend against persecution but the Regent Garesh’s stranglehold on power is unrelenting. In a bid to solidify his position he arranges for the Edict of Maidens to gather all eligible brides for the Prince’s choosing that the royal might ascend the throne as King with Garesh at his side as rightful power-wielder.

Kiara, a Laowyn woman whose race remains a secret, is chosen for the Prince but before she can be taken she escapes under the guise of a boy. Falling from one captor to another she eventually comes face-to-face with the man she loathes and suddenly two very different worlds collide.

The Edict is an epic fantasy and love story forming the basis of a trilogy that will see the fantasy world brought to the brink of destruction with only a chosen few capable of protecting it.

492 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2017

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About the author

P.J. Keyworth

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for English .
837 reviews
February 13, 2018
The Edict was an ambitious and original fantasy with original characters, strong world-building, and even a hint of allegory (there were parallels between some parts of the story and the Book of Esther in the Bible). It's not just a retelling of a Bible story though, but a self-contained fantasy with different peoples, cultures, and traditions. There are even two suns, elves, magic and shape-shifters.

Like a good fantasy, it starts out as an adventure, before the political clashes between the races come to the fore when the peaceful Laowyn people are threatened with extermination, and face a life-changing choice. There's romance, battles, intrigue, loyalty, and an epic clash between good and evil.

The writing style made the book easier to read than some of the classics, but it might not meet everyone's tastes. I understand the author began writing this when she was in her teens, and some of the early parts seem to reflect this. The characters and story 'grow' as they go along, and by the end, I found it so compelling and engaging it didn't matter.

Some readers may wish to note that there are sexual references and some language in this book, most of the former relating to the Edict of maidens the King's harem, as well as certain adult themes. As such, I wouldn't recommend it for Young Adults. However, I do recommend for all lovers of Epic and realistic fantasy, and those who just want a good read to pass a long journey or many evenings.

I'm looking forward to the next books and seeing which characters they will focus on.

I asked to be an Advance Reader of this book and received an electronic copy for review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
192 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2025
Wow!

I don’t always leave reviews but I can’t not this time. This was so well written and drew me into every moment. I fell in love with the characters and was so disappointed to reach the end. I want to spend more time with these amazing people and this incredible world. I can’t wait to read book 2!
1 review
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September 14, 2018
Very much enjoyed reading this fantasy novel, every time I put it down I was looking forward to the next chance to read some more. Looking forward to the next instalment!
8 reviews
February 7, 2023
Great First in a new Fantasy series

What a fantastic debut fantasy book.


First in this genre, the author brought her skills with her.

Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Ruth.
151 reviews
September 19, 2024
This was just so awful I couldn't finish it. The way the author portrayed the female character was terrible, and how the male characters treated the females was even worse.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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