Den Patrick mélange magistralement des éléments de dark fantasy avec un réalisme âpre. Ses œuvres explorent souvent des thèmes de magie interdite et d'oppression au sein d'empires inspirés des cultures nordiques et russes. Le style de Patrick se caractérise par des récits captivants qui entraînent les lecteurs dans des mondes complexes, riches en intrigues et en dangers. Ses histoires sont souvent décrites comme une fusion d'éléments gothiques classiques et de concepts de fantasy modernes.
The book highlights the critical importance of land and food management in the face of climate change, water scarcity, and increasing global populations. It traces the history of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, founded in 1938 by visionary engineers and agriculturalists, which serves as a professional hub for experts in land-based industries. The text emphasizes the collaborative efforts of scientists, technologists, engineers, and managers in addressing these pressing challenges.
The second book in a gripping high fantasy series set in the castle of Demesne, from the author of The Boy With the Porcelain BladeWith his rich evocation of the Italian Renaissance-like realm of Landfall, his uniquely appealing way with flawed yet empathic characters, and his ability to write gripping scenes of both action and subterfuge, Den Patrick has already established himself as a new favorite for fans of Scott Lynch and Robin Hobb alike. 10 years have passed since the disappearance of Lucien, and his protege, the young swordsman Dino, is struggling to live up to Lucien's legacy. Sworn to protect the silent queen Anea as she struggles to bring a new democracy to Demesne, Dino finds himself drawn into a deadly game of political intrigue as the aristocratic families of Landfall conspire to protect their privilege. Always ready to prove himself as a swordsman, Dino is anguished to discover that in order to fulfill his vow he must become both spy and assassin. And all the while, the dark secret at the heart of Demesne is growing towards fulfillment.
From celebrated fantasy author Den Patrick comes WITCHSIGN, the first novel in a fresh and exciting new fantasy trilogy It has been seventy-five years since the dragons' rule of fire and magic was ended. Out of the ashes, the Solmindre Empire was born. Since then, the tyrannical Synod has worked hard to banish all manifestations of the arcane from existence. However, children are still born bearing the taint of the arcane, known to all as witchsign. Vigilants are sent out across the continent of Vinterkveld to find and capture all those bearing the mark. No one knows when the Vigilants of the Synod will appear and enforce the Empire's laws. But today they're coming. And gods help those who bear the sign of the witch.
An ornate yet dark fantasy, with echoes of Scott Lynch, Robin Hobb and Jon Courtenay Grimwood. An original and beautifully imagined world, populated by unforgettable characters. A debut novel which garnered rave reviews on publication from fellow authors, bloggers and the likes of SFX magazine. Lucien de Fontein has grown up different. One of the mysterious and misshapen Orfano who appear around the Kingdom of Landfall, he is a talented fighter yet constantly lonely, tormented by his deformity, and well aware that he is a mere pawn in a political game. Ruled by an insane King and the venomous Majordomo, it is a world where corruption and decay are deeply rooted - but to a degree Lucien never dreams possible when he first discovers the plight of the 'insane' women kept in the haunting Sanatoria. Told in a continuous narrative interspersed with flashbacks we see Lucien grow up under the care of his tutors. We watch him forced through rigorous Testings, and fall in love, set against his yearning to discover where he comes from, and how his fate is tied to that of every one of the deformed Orfano in the Kingdom, and of the eerie Sanatoria itself.
Mixing Machiavellian intrigue and the high fantasy of authors like Scott Lynch and Robin Hobb, Den Patrick's fantasy novels, with their Renaissance Italy like setting have brought an enticing new flavour to the fantasy genre. In a castle that is, itself, reminiscent of Gormenghast in its size and brooding presence a collection of young, flawed but resilient outsiders find their way in a dangerous society teetering on the brink of dramatic change, even as it learns the fantastical secrets of its past. Anea is the Silent Queen and she is struggling to bring change to the ancient society of Landfall. Vested interests and dark magics alike are determined to hold onto power and in a society where the loyalties of many are fluid and the true nature of the players is hidden the game of politics can be a lethal one even for those close to the throne. Den Patrick has won an enthusiastic audience for this series and has rapidly become a key figure amongst a new generation of fantasy writers bringing a fresh engagement to the genre world both on the page and within the fan community.
