Two siblings. Two paths. One destiny that could shake an empire to its core.
In The Knight and the Rebel, the third book in the Ravenglass Legends series, Ragnar and Maja’s worlds collide in an epic tale of power, loyalty, and rebellion.
As Ragnar rises within the very empire that destroyed their homeland, Maja fights to bring it down. But as secrets unravel and danger mounts, nothing is as straightforward as it seems.
With wyverns soaring through the skies and ravenglass whispering dark truths, Ragnar and Maja must each grapple with their choices.
Can Ragnar reform the empire from within?
And can Maja’s rebellion succeed without tearing apart everything she loves?
Filled with action, political intrigue, and characters that will stay with you long after the last page, The Knight and the Rebel is a fantasy epic that fans of Joe Abercrombie and Robin Hobb won’t want to miss.
Early Access on Patreon: New Chapters Every Weekday!
Eager to dive into this gripping adventure before it’s published?
As a Patreon subscriber, you’ll get exclusive early access to work-in-progress chapters of The Knight and the Rebel every weekday!
Follow the story as it unfolds, and be the first to experience the twists and turns of this thrilling saga.
Explore captivating fantasy palaces in these must-read books. Delve into a world of magic, power struggles, and intrigue. Discover epic tales set in enchanting palace settings.
Fantasy novels offer a unique blend of magic and imagination, and when set in palaces, they become even more captivating.
Palaces serve as a backdrop for power struggles, hidden secrets, and magical adventures.
Here are five must-read fantasy novels set in palaces:
1. “A Song of Ice and Fire” series by George R.R. Martin:
The palace of King’s Landing is the political centre of the Seven Kingdoms and the scene of many of the series’ most significant events. From the scheming of Queen Cersei Lannister to the machinations of Lord Petyr Baelish, the palace is a hub of intrigue and power.
2. “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas:
The palace of the kingdom of Adarlan is the setting for this action-packed fantasy novel. The kingdom is ruled by a tyrannical king, and the palace is filled with political intrigue, dangerous magic, and powerful assassins.
3. “Assassin’s Apprentice” by Robin Hobb:
The palace of the Six Duchies is the setting for this coming-of-age story about a young assassin. The palace is filled with danger, political maneuvering, and magic, and the protagonist must navigate these treacherous waters in order to survive.
4. “The Goblin Emperor” by Katherine Addison:
The palace of the Elfen Empire is the setting for this political fantasy novel. The new goblin emperor must navigate the intricacies of court life and the treacherous politics of the imperial palace in order to secure his rule and bring peace to the empire.
5. “Gormenghast” by Mervyn Peake:
The sprawling, ancient palace of Gormenghast is the setting for this dark and imaginative fantasy novel. The palace is filled with strange, grotesque characters and eerie magic, and the protagonist must navigate its labyrinthine halls in order to uncover its secrets.
If you love fantasy set in palaces, you can get The Fool for free as part of the Ravenglass Universe starter library.
Explore the intertwining realms of modern high fantasy and politics. From Game of Thrones to Harry Potter, delve into the intricate power dynamics and social commentary in this captivating genre.
In the realm of modern high fantasy, intricate political manoeuvrings are as much a staple as epic quests, mythical creatures and powerful magic.
These elements interplay, shaping realms and characters, as well as reflecting and commenting upon our own societal issues.
A close examination of this genre’s grand stage reveals that politics plays a starring role.
A Game of Thrones
Firstly, a consideration of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series is essential.
Despite the dragons and magic, the heart of this series lies in its complex political tapestry.
The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros are rife with power struggles, alliances, betrayals and plots that wouldn’t look amiss in a historical epic.
From the starkly feudalistic North to the conniving southern court of King’s Landing, politics are central to both the plot and the development of characters such as Tyrion and Daenerys.
Martin’s exploration of power dynamics, legitimacy, and the cost of war offers a biting critique of real-world politics, veiled in the trappings of high fantasy.
Here, the politics are deeply entwined with the world’s unique magic system and the conflict with the mysterious Parshendi.
Each nation on Roshar has its unique political structure, reflecting their geographical conditions and history.
The Alethi, for instance, are a highly militaristic society governed by an elaborate system of ten Highprinces, with politics heavily influenced by the endless war on the Shattered Plains.
This series investigates themes such as responsibility, honour, and the consequences of power, in a distinctly political context.
The Ministry of Magic
J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, though often seen as light-hearted children’s literature, also delves into politics, albeit subtly.
The Ministry of Magic, Hogwarts’ administration, and even the Death Eaters reflect aspects of real-world politics and the consequences of various ideologies.
The series addresses the risks of political corruption, the importance of a free press, and the dangers of bigotry and xenophobia.
These issues, while rooted in a world of witches and wizards, are timely and relevant to readers in our muggle world.
Power in the Priesthood
Lastly, we mustn’t overlook the role politics play in Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy.
The oppressive Magisterium, a theocratic regime, has clear political overtones.
Pullman engages with themes of authority, freedom, and the misuse of power, embodying these concepts in the struggle between the Magisterium and those who seek to uncover the truth about ‘Dust’.
The role of politics in modern high fantasy is both multifaceted and significant.
Not merely a background detail, politics shapes the world-building, the plot, and the very characters who hold our hearts. Moreover, these fantastical political systems allow authors to explore complex themes and to comment on real-world issues.
This reflective quality is perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of high fantasy.
Through the lens of a different world, we gain new insights into our own.
So, the politics of high fantasy continues to challenge, to captivate, and to resonate with readers across our very real and complex globe.
