Book excerpt: Book One - The Age of Shadows Series Elissa comes from hard and desperate beginnings on the streets of Galadrid. After falling foul of the City Watch and being thrown into the dungeons, she is suddenly thrust into the world of royalty and of magic. It is revealed she possesses a rare gift - the power of a Gold mage. Arina, the Queen, and one of the greatest Mages in her own right, quickly recognizes her power and commits to mentor and guide the young girl. Arth, an enigmatic Swordmaster, recently having lost his dear friend and liege, gets a message from across the veil to go to the west and find the one he is meant to protect. Arth soon reaches Galadrid and discovers Elissa and thus begins his connection as both a friend and as a master. As she trains under Arina & Arth's guidance, Elissa makes an unlikely friend in Thahim, a young lord. But her new life is far from safe. A strange enemy starts to arise to plague both the people of Galadrid and the greater kingdom. Arth, Elissa and the crown struggle to understand this rising enemy and to protect its people from the evils and destruction it heralds. Meanwhile, an ancient evil stir in the shadows, its insidious power growing. Elissa discovers that a Gold Mage is a sign of an impending age of turmoil. History has shown that, in such an age, chaos soon follows, and of impending battles between the light and dark forces. The more she learns the more she fears for the future. As Elissa wrestles with her newfound powers and responsibilities she encounters intrigue and politics swirling around her. She is confronted by the intrigues of the court and the tenuous relationship of the King, Drathren and the Guild of Mages. The realization that enemies of the crown exist within the very members of the court. Some challenge the authority of the Crown with Elissa finding herself unwittingly at the center of the resulting storm. When Elissa and Thahim make a startling discovery deep in the city, they unwittingly trigger lethal intentions. Betrayals and danger follow their every step, leading to Elissa facing her darkest hour. To save her friends and defeat the diabolical evil she discovers, she must accept her destiny and master the full might of her golden light. But even victories come at a terrible price. A wordless threat reveals greater shadows yet to come, and Elissa realizes her training has only just begun. The fate of the realm now rests on her shoulders in an epic struggle that will test the limits of her power - and her soul. Gripping from the first page to the chilling cliffhanger's end, The Rise of the Othari spins an epic tale of magic, mystery, and courage against overwhelming evil. Perfect for fans of character driven fantasy, this is the debut of an exciting new voice in epic fantasy. The Age of Shadows has only just begun.