AustLit

'An epic quest spanning multiple worlds, where magic and high-technology go head-to-head . . . with the fate of the Earth at stake.

'In the Vaults of Sheol, Lord VoYannan plots to unleash a devastating assault on the Blessed Realms, a coalition of six worlds dedicated to preserving life. The Realms, defended with steel and magic, have contained VoYannan for thousands of years. VoYannan is a krell — a ruthless alien species that can make themselves virtually immortal by enslaving others. Millions suffer under VoYannan’s rule, fifty-eight planets where any resistance is crushed by his dark legions.

'VoYannan uses an ancient Gateway on Earth to strike at the Realms. His Vault forces capture the priestess Sephany, crucial to his plans, and escape. Realm warrior Finn Evenstone sets off in pursuit, but cannot pass the Gateway used by the Vault.

'Liam Durrow, sole survivor of an ancient Earth lineage, is led to Fraser Island by a vision, and uses his unique magical abilities as Keeper to open the Gateway. Both Finn and Liam are soon battling the Vault on Earth, and in the Shadow Worlds, planets already ruined by the krell. They need all the help they can get. They are joined by tenacious Federal Agent Yolinda Paris, who has her own score to settle.

'They push deep into the Vault, racing against time to rescue Sephany and save the Earth — and the Realms — from destruction.'

Source : publisher's blurb

'The first interstellar exploration vessel Starburst sets out from Earth in 2157, but this is no NASA science mission, it’s funded by the mega-corporation ExploreCorp. A planet suitable for colonisation means not only massive profits, but a chance for Commander Janzen to restore his family’s exalted position. But is the executive turned space-explorer, Janzen, equipped to deal with a real crisis? On approach to the planet Cru, the Starburst is hit with a surge of deadly radiation that kills most of the crew and disables the ship. It’s a fight for survival as sub-Commander Karic struggles to get control of the fusion drive before the ship turns into a giant hydrogen bomb. Karic rises to the challenge as he takes command and leads the survivors to the planet Cru. The thirst for exploration and the quest for alien first contact soon go head-to-head with corporate greed and the need for profit at any cost, as Janzen and Karic clash. As if surviving on an alien planet wasn’t hard enough, they soon discover that Cru is already occupied . . . and its once vast civilisation is on the threshold of a momentous change.'

(Publication Summary)

'Marooned in the icy wastes of planet X31, it’s only a matter of hours until MacPherson freezes to death…'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Belin has earned a comfortable retirement after years as a general in the service of the Bulvuran Empire. But, as is often the case with warriors, it isn't to be. Beset by visions of the demise of the Emperor, Belin strikes off across the leagues from the Delta province to the capital Raynor to save Empress Evelyn and her newborn child from death at the hands of the Eathal shapechanger and Sorcerer Geisel. The general’s legendary greatscythe skills will be put to the test against overwhelming opposition. He must overcome the treachery of those Suul who seek to profit from the fall of the Empire – and confront his own fears of Sorcery as he comes face-to-face with Geisel.' (Publication summary)

'Following on from events in Scytheman, Cedrin travels north with his small but fiercely loyal court. Ellen, disinherited heir to the throne of Athria, by his side. Having thwarted renegade Sorcerer Raziin’s plan to seize the Spear of Carris, they must travel to the Caverns of Ranmyden to claim it. Ancient forces awaken, intent on possessing the Spear’s ultimate power. The Behemoth – a malign spirit – seeks to control it through its chosen wielder Raziin. The hidden temple of Annan-Ac places powerful agents in Cedrin’s entourage, while the last of the Jakir order, whose power was broken by the Spear in antiquity, want it destroyed at all costs. If Cedrin can survive the forces arrayed against him he must make the final choice — destroy Raziin or use the power of the Spear to save Yos.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Cedrin and his friend Marken journey north, seeking a new life as scythemen.

'Ellen leaves the politics of Raynor behind and continues her quest to find the true Scion. She joins Cedrin, convinced he holds some clue to the Scion’s identity. The fiercely independent Cedrin is drawn to Ellen, despite himself.

'They are pursued by the renegade Sorcerer Raziin, who dreams of revenge against Cedrin and Ellen for his defeat in Athria — and of the ultimate power of the Spear of Carris, promised to him by the Seer of Ciofran-Ac. Raziin alone knows that Cedrin is the key to obtaining it.

'As Cedrin and Ellen struggle to stay alive on a lawless continent torn by war, they are being drawn by hidden forces toward a lethal contest for the awesome power of the Spear of Carris, where the identity of the true Scion will be revealed.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.