Branion Series

Galactic Spectrum Award nomination • Locus Recommended Reading List • Epic fantasy series with character-driven intrigue and spectacular magic
 
Camden was destined by birth and tradition to serve the Flame, the supreme power in the kingdom of Branion. But it was not the Flame which called to him—it was the Wind.
 
Drawn to this Aspect yet forced to keep his talent secret, Cam felt alienated from his own family, forbidden to become who he was meant to be. Then his uncle, Celestus, offered Cam a temporary refuge at his own home. And suddenly a world of possibilities opened for Cam.
 
For three of his cousins were also staying with his uncle: Danielle, who felt the call of the Sea; Quinton, whose chosen Aspect was Oaks; and Alisha, daughter of the Branion ruler and vessel of the Flame itself.
 
What at first seemed the most wonderful haven was fated to become something far different. Celestus’ plan for Cam and his cousins’ training was to commit the ultimate heresy. And the Flame Champions would not stand idly by while this Circle of power grew until they could threaten all of Branion….

Galactic Spectrum Award nomination • Locus Recommended Reading List • Epic fantasy series with character-driven intrigue and spectacular magic

Marsellus was the rightful ruler of Branion, by virtue of both birth and the power of the Flame contained within him. Yet he had betrayed his heritage, cleaving to the opposing Essusiate religion and denying the Flame’s power.
 
But now Llewellynne, a prince and seer in the neighboring kingdom of Gwyneth, has been granted a Flame vision of herself bearing a child of Marsellus—a child who would become the new vessel of the Flame and who can lead Gwyneth forces to victory in Branion.
 
Llewellynne succeed in transforming the vision into reality, giving birth to a son named Rhys. Gwyneth begins preparations, waiting for the day when Rhys will claim his heritage. For with the power of the Flame and the aid of his younger brother Llewen, is there any doubt that Rhys will triumph?
 
However, nothing is certain in a struggle fueled by the gods. And though Rhys and Llewen have been raised together, the fortunes of war may well drive them apart.

Galactic Spectrum Award nomination • Locus Recommended Reading List • Epic fantasy series with character-driven intrigue and spectacular magic
 
Simon, the court painter of Branion, was the closest friend of the kingdom’s ruler, Marsellus. Even though Marsellus was the vessel of the Flame and Simon was a follower of the opposing Essusiate religion, Simon was still Marselllus’ staunchest ally and defender—instead of Marsellus’ own priests and guards.
 
Yet not even Simon could protect Marsellus from unexpected treachery within the court. After an assassin ends Marsellus’ reign, it was Simon who became the champion and rescue of the new royal leader, Marsellus’ five-year-old daughter Kassandra.
 
With civil and religious war threatening the suddenly leaderless realm, Simon has no choice but to flee the country with Kassandra. Pursued by the very forces which should have been the new ruler’s protectors, Simon and a most-unlikely band of companions have to keep both the child and her inherited powers hidden—until they can reach the one person who could offer Kassandra sanctuary and a chance, however desperate, of regaining her kingdom.

Galactic Spectrum Award nomination • Locus Recommended Reading List • Epic fantasy series with character-driven intrigue and spectacular magic
 
The royal line of Branion have been blessed, or cursed, with the power of the Flame, a magic which—if wielded properly—none can stand against. But if called upon by one untrained, the Flame is as likely to destroy its human vessel as whatever foe it has been unleashed against.
 
Yet even the Flame is less dangerous than Her Most Regal and Sacred Majesty Melesandra the Third, an unyielding and terrifying ruler. No one understands this better than Crown Prince Demnor, who is convinced he is his mother’s most-treasured victim. Often at odds with Melesandra, Demnor knows he will receive no support from her when faced with the prospect of an unwanted, politically motivated marriage.
 
But all his personal conflicts must be thrust aside when the realm of Branion is drawn into a far greater struggle as the eternally rebellious Heathland plots a bold new campaign of war. Only time will tell whether Demnor can survive the traitors within the Court and the ever-growing rebel forces—even as he strives to master the power which is his birthright.