Cathargo

by Mark Del Franco

In the capitals across the Continent, arguments rage over use of the magicka---the strange language that can summon the elementa to do one’s bidding. Anyone with the knowledge can control fire, water, rock or air—but not without dangerous consequences.

As the Imperium and Magickan States stumble towards war, the free city of Cathargo becomes a flashpoint between the two ancient kingdoms. Treaties and alliances are strained to their limits as new mechanical inventions threaten the old magic that has held sway for centuries.

History hinges as much on coincidence as plans, and the truth is often lost behind mistakes and lies. While their leaders plot mysterious strategies, the people of the city struggle to live their lives—and change everything when they unwittingly cross paths.

- A killer seeks meaning for his past
- A renegade searches for safety
- A servant dreams of a new life
- A madman hopes to escape himself
- A soldier yearns for glory
- A woman strives for respect
- And an orphan just wants to survive

On Winternight, their worlds collide and set the future on a course that none of the great powers could anticipate. When everything is falling apart, anyone can become the hero of their own story.

Genres: Fantasy

Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2016

About the author

CATHARGO (2016) is Mark Del Franco's latest fantasy novel, an alternative history where chance and coincidence set the stage for an entire continent to be plunged into war over the use of magic.


WHIRLWIND (2014)is Mark Del Franco's first young adult novel, an urban fantasy featuring teens with elemental powers.

Mark is the author of the adult urban fantasy Connor Grey books. The best order to read the series is:

UNSHAPELY THINGS
UNQUIET DREAMS
UNFALLEN DEAD
UNPERFECT SOULS
UNCERTAIN ALLIES
UNDONE DEEDS

The Laura Blackstone urban fantasy books, also set in the Convergent World, are
SKIN DEEP and FACE OFF.

Mark Del Franco lives with his partner, Jack, in Boston, Massachusetts, where the orchids Just Won't Die.

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Mark Del Franco's Connor Grey urban fantasy series and was delighted to find this stand alone fantasy set in an alternate Europe where the church controls magic and conflict abounds. With so much fantasy out there, it was a pleasure to find a different spin on magic and a compelling cast of likable characters (i.e. not Simon). A lot of attention to detail was spent in the world-building and plotting, and I enjoyed how the various characters crossed each other's path throughout the book. Truly could not put this one down.

There's so much more room for sequels, so fingers crossed that the author will return to this world someday.

Question: If Portua=Portugal and Iber=Spain, then is Rheme the equivalent of Rome but perhaps founded by Remus instead of Romulus?