Victoria Goddard Livres

Cliopher Mdang has been appointed Viceroy of Zunidh by his beloved Radiancy, the Last Emperor, who has now left him behind in the Palace to safeguard the world during his absence on a quest to find an appropriately magical heir. When he returns, he will abdicate, and Cliopher will at last retire, satisfied with having achieved most of his life's political goals--even if his long-suppressed personal dreams are starting to bubble up. (Surely he used to have hobbies besides running the government?) All he has to do is wait patiently for his lord's return... until adventure quite literally hits him from behind, and what was once safely hypothetical becomes intensely real. Cliopher has always followed the stars of his chosen course: the epic oral histories of his people, the poetry of the rebel poet Fitzroy Angursell, decades of devotion and service to his Radiancy... They were enough to change the world. But are they enough to guide Cliopher home? The sequel to The Hands of the Emperor.

An impulsive word can start a war. A timely word can stop one. A simple act of friendship can change the course of history. Cliopher Mdang is the personal secretary of the Last Emperor of Astandalas, the Lord of Rising Stars, the Lord Magus of Zunidh, the Sun-on-Earth, the god. He has spent more time with the Emperor of Astandalas than any other person. He has never once touched his lord. He has never called him by name. He has never initiated a conversation. One day Cliopher invites the Sun-on-Earth home to the proverbially remote Vangavaye-ve for a holiday. The mere invitation could have seen Cliopher executed for blasphemy. The acceptance upends the world. Lays of the Hearth-Fire #1.

Magic is out of fashion. Murder, like romance, is always a possibility. The journey home from Orio City was supposed to be straightforward. Avoid being captured by brigands or agents of the criminal gangs; try not to cause any further spiritual or magical shocks; and make it over the mountains before winter closes in. A sudden blizzard drives Jemis and his friends to seek refuge in an eccentric country gentleman's even more eccentric house. They only want to stay out the storm without revealing all their secrets: but the other guests have secrets of their own, and Mr. Dart's ability to hear the inanimate has some unforeseeable consequences ... Blizzards. Unicorns. Ciphers. Noblesse oblige. A budding romance. And that's before the murder. At least this time Jemis has an alibi. Too bad no one else does. Book Five of Greenwing & Dart, fantasies of manners--and mischief.

Set in a world where nomad tribes are as legendary as gods, the story follows Sardeet, the youngest daughter of the Bandit Queen of the Oclaresh. After the death of her husband, she is taken by her father, a city man, to her uncle for solace and healing. The narrative explores themes of grief, identity, and the clash between nomadic traditions and urban life, all against the backdrop of the mystical river Ihil.

Exploring themes of loss and abandonment, this narrative delves into the emotional landscape of relationships where departure is a recurring motif. Characters grapple with the impact of those who leave, reflecting on their past connections and the voids left behind. The story intricately weaves their experiences, revealing how these departures shape their identities and futures, ultimately prompting a profound examination of love, memory, and resilience.

The narrative follows Artorin Damara, the final Emperor of Astandalas, as he searches for a new secretary. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and the decline of an empire, the story delves into the complexities of leadership and loyalty. As Artorin navigates the challenges of his position, the selection of his secretary becomes a pivotal point that could alter the course of his reign. Themes of power dynamics, ambition, and the struggle for stability are woven throughout this compelling tale.

In a world where magic has lost its appeal, a young protagonist discovers that the ancient arts still hold power and relevance. As they navigate a society that shuns the mystical, they encounter hidden realms and forgotten traditions. The journey reveals the importance of embracing one's heritage and the potential of magic to reshape their future. Themes of identity, tradition, and the struggle against societal norms unfold as the character seeks to revive the magic that once thrived.

Exploring the interplay between divine will and human fate, the narrative delves into the consequences of gods' desires as they manipulate the lives of mortals. Characters grapple with their own ambitions and the whims of the deities, leading to conflict and unexpected alliances. Themes of power, sacrifice, and the struggle for autonomy emerge, creating a rich tapestry of mythological intrigue and emotional depth. The story invites readers to ponder the nature of desire and the cost of divine intervention in the human realm.

Artorin Damara is the Last Emperor of Astandalas and present Lord Magus of Zunidh. He is respected as a great mage, revered as a living god, regarded as the embodiment of power and wealth and majesty. Few have seen him in anything but the most resplendent garments; fewer still have ever looked him in the eyes.He is possibly the last person you would expect to find breaking into the tomb of the first Emperor of Astandalas. He could, after all, have entered it legitimately.But Artorin Damara has a great secret, which he has kept hidden since before he ascended to the throne, and part of it is that he knows perfectly well how to set about on an adventure.Another part of it is that his true name is not actually the one that everyone knows him by...

Set in a world recovering from the collapse of the Empire of Astandalas, the story follows the once-legendary Red Company, now nearly forgotten. As they navigate the aftermath of their empire's fall, the remnants of their glory and the challenges they face in a changed landscape are explored, blending themes of memory, legacy, and survival.