The Assassin King opens at winter's end with the arrival by sea of a mysterious hunter, a man of ancient race and purpose, who endlessly chants the names of the pantheon of demons that are his intended victims, as well as one other: Ysk, the original name of the Brother, now known as Achmed, the Assassin King of Ylorc.

At the same moment of this portentous arrival, two gatherings of great import are taking place. The first is a convocation of dragons, who gather in a primeval forest glade--the site of the horrific ending of Llauron, one of the last of their kind. They mourn not only his irrevocable death, but the loss of the lore and control over the Earth itself that it represents. The ancient wyrms are terrified for what will come as a result of this loss.

The second gathering is a council of war held in the depths of the keep of Haguefort: Ashe and Rhapsody, rulers of the alliance that protects the Middle Continent; Gwydion, the new Duke of Navarne; Anborn, the Lord Marshall; Achmed, the King of Ylorc, and Grunthor, his Sergeant-Major. Each brings news that form the pieces of a great puzzle. And as each piece is added it becomes quite clear: War is coming, the likes of which the world has never known.

Cataclysm, both large and small, await in this sixth volume of the USA Today bestselling fantasy series, The Symphony of Ages. A twisting, fast-moving tale, The Assassin King promises endless surprises--most of which lead to pain.

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Praise for this book

“At the start of Haydon's lyrical sixth installment in her sweeping saga of musical magic and ancient prophecies (after 2004's Elegy for a Lost Star), the dragons of the world gather to mourn the loss of one of their oldest and greatest….Ashe and Rhapsody, the Lord and Lady of Cymrian, also convene with their allies to prepare for the war looming between deadly powers that could tear the world apart….While deftly managing a large cast of intriguing characters in a story that's both grand and intimate but never predictable, Haydon moves all the pieces into place for the next volume.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) on The Assassin King

“The sixth installment of Haydon's Symphony of Ages series carries the popular saga into new territory, revisiting familiar characters and introducing new ones. The author's skill at character portrayal and world-building make this an excellent choice for most fantasy collections and essential for libraries owning the previous series titles.” —Library Journal on The Assassin King

“One of the finest high fantasy debuts in years.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Rhapsody

“The second book of Haydon's epic high-fantasy trilogy is as strong and compelling as its predecessor. The action is exhilarating; and sometimes broad, sometimes wry humor leavens the story's horror. As in high fantasy at its best, the sense of foreboding is palpable, the world building is convincing and consistent, the evildoers are truly wicked, and the battles are ferocious. Enthusiastic readers will be left eagerly awaiting the trilogy's conclusion in Destiny.” —Booklist on Prophecy

“Haydon's third book culminates her powerful fantasy saga with adventure, treachery, mystery and romance. Destiny is an exciting read that will pique new readers and delight fans of Ms. Haydon's first two books. Haydon continues to wield a strong voice in the world of fantasy. Her superbly rendered characters incite us to share their triumphs and sorrows, even as her lyrical prose casts its wondrous invitation to visit her world.” —Romantic Times Gold Medal Review

“Haydon achieves high levels in characterization, world building through well-chosen detail, folkloric and musical expertise, and warmth of spirit. Let us be thankful that this rhapsody isn't over and, indeed, promises to linger with spirit for at least two more volumes.” —Booklist on Requiem for the Sun

“Unlike most middle books of fantasy trilogies, Haydon's dazzling second volume of the second trio of her bestselling Symphony of the Ages series inspires and thrills all on its own. Those who eagerly anticipated this volume will be even more desperate for the next, and if the author's stunning rate of improvement is anything to go by, it will be well worth the wait.” —Publishers Weekly starred review on Elegy for a Lost Star




About the AuthorAs the daughter of an air force officer, USA Today bestselling epic fantasy author ELIZABETH HAYDON began traveling at an early age and has since traveled all over the world. She draws on the imagery of these visits in the Symphony of Ages series, and blends her love of music, anthropology, herbalism and folklore into much of her writing. Haydon is also a harpist and a madrigal singer (a singer of medieval songs). She lives with her family on the East Coast.
Title: The Assassin King
Author(s): Elizabeth Haydon
Volume: 6
ISBN: 9781429920551
Copyright 2007
Release Date: November 27, 2007
Publisher: Tor Publishing Group
Countries: United States, Canada | Learn more about available countries
Language: English
Format: mobi,ePub | Learn More about our supported formats
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