The Silver Talon

Chronicles of the Rensu Guild #1

by A.J. Cunder

As the apprentice of a merchant, Arius travels throughout Farahdin, a kingdom ruled by the tyrannical king Contemno who answers dissenters with death—if they’re lucky. In the midst of hostility and conflict, Arius vows to make a change, to somehow restore Farahdin to its former glory: a land where all could live peacefully under the watchful rule of a benevolent king without the fear of oppression and arbitrary execution.

Before long, his opportunity emerges. A young woman is led to the gallows by a squadron of the King’s Men, Contemno’s elite force. Fueled by the legends of his childhood, Arius leaps into action in an effort to free her. But his success hangs in the balance...

His attempt will unearth secrets deeper than mere myth, truths about the land and about the king that will vault Arius into a race for his life—and the life of those dear to him. His journey will carry him into the realm of legend farther than he could have ever imagined. And as the stories of magic and dragons begin to unfold around him, he must quickly transform into something more than a simple merchant’s apprentice—or risk being left behind in a rapidly changing world.

With a small band of friends by his side, Arius must learn to navigate this new and dangerous realm of magic, legend, and betrayal, or something more sinister than Contemno may emerge to claim Farahdin as its own: for there is a biding evil in the land that is older and darker than the tyrant king. Will Arius be able to discover it and stop it in time, or will the kingdom fall to a fate even worse than Contemno?

Genres: Fantasy

512 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2010

About the author

A medievalist, a type 1 diabetic, and a cyber crime investigator, AJ graduated from Seton Hall University with a Master’s in Creative Writing after receiving his Bachelor’s in English and Philosophy. His work appears or is forthcoming in The Modern Deity's Guide to Surviving Humanity, Mysterion Online, and Fractured Lit, among other publications. He currently serves as a Jr. Editor with Flash Fiction Online, and on the editorial staff of Cosmic Roots & Eldritch Shores and Metaphorosis Magazine.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book by 17 year old author, AJ Cunder is an enjoyable fantasy read. Characters are well developed and the story is engaging. I look forward to more from him in the future. AJ is also a supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org) who is trying to find a cure for diabetes. An inspiring young man.

[Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great fantasy read with fresh ideas and an interesting twist to the ending of the first book! Looking forward to the sequel.