There is a cancer at the heart of the mighty Cerani Empire: a plague that attacks young and old, rich and poor alike. Geometric patterns spread across the skin, until you die in agony, or become a Carrier, doing the bidding of an evil intelligence, the Pattern Master. Anyone showing the tell-tale marks is put to death; that is Emperor Beyon's law...but now the pattern is running over his arms. His body servants have been executed, he ignores his wives, but he is doomed, for soon the pattern will reach his face. While Beyon's agents scour the land for a cure, Sarmin, the Emperor's only surviving brother, awaits his bride, Mesema, a windreader from the northern plains. Unused to the Imperial Court's stifling protocols and deadly intrigues, Mesema has no one to turn to but an ageing imperial assassin, the Emperor's Knife. When Beyon's patterns are revealed and the Grand Vizier seizes the throne, the Knife spirits her to safety. As long-planned conspiracies boil over into open violence, the invincible Pattern Master appears from the deep desert.
Now only three people stand in his way: a lost prince, a world-weary killer, and a young girl from the steppes who saw a path in a pattern once, among the waving grasses - a path that just might save them all.
Industry Reviews
'A riveting and intense debut ... compelling characterizations will keep fans of grim fantasy entirely enthralled' Publisher's Weekly. 'It makes for a rich and entertaining storytelling environment, and Williams creates a twisty and enjoyable tale ... this is strongly recommended' SFX. 'The Emperor's Knife is a well-crafted narrative ... The story flows well and the writing strikes a great balance between description and action' British Fantasy Journal. 'The Emperor's Knife is a tale of fear and fluidity, of evolution and ego, and is one that is dictated in a style so visual and penetrating that it will have the Pattern invading your dreams long after the final pages have turned' Fantasy Book Review. 'sophisticated and thoughtful' SF signal. 'This novel puts great writing to the service of vivid characters, a compelling plot and a wholly convincing fantasy world' Ben Aaronovitch. 'A fascinating, original and enthralling debut that will leave the reader eagerly awaiting the next instalment' The Founding Fields. 'This amazing tale of magic and political scheming is a work of high fantasy in every way ... A grown-up and utterly brilliantly well-wrought epic fantasy' Ranting Dragon. 'A must read - it's fresh, it's exciting and [...] looks set to get even better!' Fantasy Faction. 'Fans of fantasy intrigue will want to try this new author' Library Journal. 'A strong fantasy novel with a fresh setting, rich characters and an enjoyable storyline' Adam Whitehead, The Wertzone. 'An ambitious debut novel ... demonstrates great deal of promise in its author' Justin Landon, Staffer's Musings. 'A debut with great potential' Stefan Fergus, Civilian Reader. 'Mazarkis Williams ... immediately ranks among the year's most exciting new fantasy authors' Fantasy Book Critic. 'Some wonderfully imaginative ideas that will [...] keep you reading' Book Monkey. 'It's a highly complex novel, filled with devious sub-plots, and enough twists to satisfy even the most demanding reader' Popcorn Reads. 'Replete with political intrigue and mystery, The Emperor's Knife is a story I will remember' Tim's Book Reviews. 'An ambitious, sophisticated and thoughtful debut novel' SF Signal.
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