Starting some sixteen years from where the last series ended, the Sorceress of the Sapphire introduces an incredible cast of new characters, as well as bringing back some of the treasured familiar ones. The setting is Castle Dru in Durundal, and the family are preparing for a celebration – but no one could foresee the rancour that would lead to a tragic turn of events.
For in the midst of this … of this royal pageant – two young girls are abducted and whisked away without a trace. Though before he flees the scene, the Shadow King puts a curse on the entire castle and disfigures all the inhabitants – all except one. Now it is up to the lone survivor to seek out the perpetrator and bring the girls back – alive.
Armed with a sword, a horse, and his faithful wolfhound at his side; this brave young man must now follow a set of instructions: to find the Sorceress of the Sapphire – and defeat the Shadow King.
Because if he can’t – the future of the kingdom is at stake.
With mesmerising worlds, engaging characters and a phenomenal plot, his book will have you spellbound long after the final page has been turned.
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This book tells two stories: the first, a quest to restore justice and balance, and the second, a thread that draws together the strands of narrative from the first five books in the series. Together, these stories become a complete, complex high fantasy tale of the battle between good and evil for control of the Kingdom of Durundal.
It is not necessary to have read the previous books in the series in order to fully enjoy this one, although they are all well worth reading.
While some of the characters from the preceding books in the series continue in this one, the central characters are of the next generation, adding a sense of freshness at the same time as achieving very effective continuity in the series as a whole.
Reminiscences from some of the older characters provide part of the backstory, but they are not sufficient to deliver any major spoilers forecasters who might want to revisit previous instalments in the series. This is evidence of how cleverly the author has crafted and woven an intricate story full of adventure, danger, and deep, powerful magic.
The Start of Another Epic Fantasy Series by S.E. Turner
I’ve been waiting for SE Turner’s follow up to her amazing Kingdom of Durundal series and now that the wait is over I can’t wait for Part II in this new series to launch. Turner has become without a doubt one of the premiere Fantasy authors in today’s market. ‘Sorceress of the Sapphire’ is no exception. Turner weaves multiple themes within a prolific and exceptional writing style. The author’s characters are always multi layered, in depth and driven by passion and purpose. If you love fantasy you will never be disappointed with an S.E. Turner epic. Highly recommend!
Sorceress of the Sapphire is officially the first book in Turner’s new series, but I am thrilled to report that although it takes place a decade and a half later, it is still set in the beloved Kingdom of Durundal. You can start with the new book, or you can go back and race through A Hare in the Wilderness – Book 1, A Wolf in the Dark – Book 2, A Leopard in the Mist – Book 3, A Stag in the Shadows – Book 4, A Moth in the Flames – Book 5. When you’re finished, you’ll be very excited to move on to Turner’s latest release and those to come.
Horrible things happen to Turner’s characters in each of her books, and Sorceress of the Saphire is no exception. But the wonderful thing is that they rise above their challenges and survive. Heroes spring up and save the day when least expected, when all seems lost. Whether old-fashioned ingenuity or analytical minds applying themselves in a genius way, or something just a little magical or beyond our understanding, the battle is always won. There is loss, there is heartbreak – people die and worlds change so much that you know deep down things will never be the same, but somehow, in the end, good always prevails over evil. Hope blossoms when you are sure that all hope is lost. I don’t know about you, but I find that inspiring, now more than ever.
The Kingdom of Durundal series is listed as fantasy but I think it’s much more than that – the characters feel too real, and the problems they face too immediate. To me, it feels more like a historical look at what clan life used to be like in Scotland, or some other ancient realm before recorded time. And we all know that history repeats itself, like it or not.
In addition to fantasy and history, you’ll find The Kingdom of Durundal’s five books filled with ancient mythology, sword and sorcery, battles, apothecary (herbal medicines), spirituality, honour, betrayal, vengeance, magic, sacrifice, coming of age, love, strength, and courage, just as the author promises. Some things that I personally love about these books – the author interweaves themes like greed and selfishness, a struggle as contemporary as it is ancient – and redemption! Forgiveness, and second chances, delayed gratification and patience, make the characters so perfectly imperfect that you will fall in love with them just as I did. It’s an amazing combination. Highly recommneded!