J P Wagner – författare

Gunpowder magic, steam-power, adventure, and intrigue...Carrtog, landless third son of Tsingallik and warrior trained in the use of powder magic, intends to make his way as a mercenary for hire. On his travels north, he and his personal guardsman stumble upon the royal christening of an expansion to Cragmor's burgeoning railway -- in this case a gift from the King as a sign of goodwill to the conquered north of old. When the gathered populace prove they are not there to be pacified, Carrtog isn't about to standby and do nothing. Cloaks sweep back, swords and pistols are drawn. Luckily for Carrtog, charging in might be his best chance of earning a name. But then the trap springs around the royal party and Carrtog realizes his eagerness may lead to his demise.Worse, if he manages to survive the ensorcelled contraption and rescue the King from the depths of the rebellious north, he might find that holding the King's favor could prove more dangerous than any duel against a combat magician in the haze of battlefield smoke. He'll need more than a little wit and inventiveness to survive this uprising.

In the rugged land of Askos, a rebellion brews against the ruthless King Narnash Skalsland, who rules with an iron fist from his throne in Wennz-Askos. The fight for freedom is led by Lussommi H'Askovoto, known simply as Lusi, the last living descendant of Askos' old royal line. But her people's hope for liberation hinges on a most unlikely hero.Thotgol, a wandering ox-driver and reluctant gambler, is drawn into the chaos after an encounter with three nomads and a dying magician in the city of Suraggos. Forced to carry a mysterious pouch by a powerful spell, Thotgol soon discovers that fate has far greater plans for him. Bound to a Talisman that holds the power to command the winds themselves, he finds himself thrust into a war he never intended to join.Pursued by vengeful enemies, shadowed by a treacherous magician, and allied with a peculiar merchant who can traverse between worlds, Thotgol must navigate the dangers of a war-torn realm. As Lusi rallies her forces and Wennzish lords plot rebellion against their own king, Thotgol learns to wield the Talisman's deadly power—turning the very winds against his foes.But the Talisman's strength comes with a price, and as the weather itself rebels, Thotgol must decide how far he is willing to go to fight a war that was never his to begin with. In a land where loyalties shift like sand and even magic has its limits, Thotgol and Lusi must face enemies on all sides—both within and without—to secure freedom for Askos once and for all.With betrayal lurking at every corner, ancient magic awakening, and a battle that will determine the fate of kingdoms, will Thotgol become the hero Askos needs… or the pawn in a game played by darker forces?Enter a world of intrigue, magic, and war in this epic tale of courage, destiny, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

Return to the Hidden WaysKicked out of the caravan for his gambling, Qedrim's luck has run out. Stranded in the wilderness, he uses his magical talent for slinging stones to save a strange merchant, Shapakail'esh, and is rewarded with a passage through the Hidden Ways—a mysterious and ancient method of travel. This leads him to the city of Higfrod, where he finds himself in the middle of political intrigue after saving Lady Annavristi from an assassin and winning her favor.But his restlessness is short-lived. War soon erupts, and Qedrim is swept into the conflict, joining a merchant encampment that follows behind the army to provide supplies. When the battle turns against them, he knocks a cavalry commander from his saddle and finds himself enlisting in the army's slinger faction. To survive and protect those he cares for, Qedrim must learn to master his ability to move stones—his path to becoming a Stonecaller.With monstrous armies led by the brutal B'tlas closing in, Qedrim's newfound power may be the key to saving Higfrod—if he can master it in time.

To speak of Ardan the Grim is to speak of many things. One must tell of how he was the last in a line of men who had stood for far Tharid. A line descended from Ardan the Fair, who left Asbaln that there should be no quarrels with his brother, Randell of Avantir. Both of them being sons of the famous Guardian of the Sword of Avantir, Rorick.Wyrta the seer spoke to him in these words: "e;In the twentieth year, on spring's first day, seek a path to the West away. Go to the land of the Silver Hair, for thy fate does await thee there."e;Years after Rorick and Conel rode forth to free the land of Asbaln from the barbaric tribes, comes one man who will ride forth to save the kingdom and he will wear...The Crystal Crown.

Avantir is on its last legs. The Hygerians are about to take the barony. Rorick's father entrusts him with the Sword which must not be named. It is a sword of immense power, which is awaiting its new master. Rorick flees the castle and begins to search for Prince Conel who was hidden in the hills during the unrest. Together they will join forces to save the kingdom!

Fatha's Clan symbol was that of the flower with triangle petals. But Fatha no longer bears that symbol. He's been cast out of his Clan for a crime he didn't commit. Now he must wander on the outskirts of the nomads and fight for his very survival.But is it enough to merely survive? This is a lesson Fatha must learn if he is to protect not only himself but the people he has rallied to his side.

The Rod and the RingSent into the dangerous Gorthic lands, Vindrix, son of Vorthan, carries an ancient ring of power—one that grants him the ability to read minds and take the form of beasts. Tasked by his enigmatic mentor Ammerlyn, Vindrix must stop a gathering of warlocks intent on summoning a demon that will enslave the realm.Haunted by shifting alliances and shadowed by an ominous darkness, Vindrix uncovers treachery, battles deadly foes, and wields both cunning and magic in his quest. From the wilds of Gorthic tribes to a climactic clash at the dreaded Banerocks, the fate of kingdoms hangs in the balance.Can Vindrix destroy the Coven before the forces of darkness consume the world, or will his greatest weapons become his undoing?Epic, gripping, and rich with lore, The Rod and the Ring weaves a tale of heroism, ancient magic, and the eternal battle between light and darkness.