The story of the ancient land of Verdenia at the beginning of the third age unfolds further with this, the third episode of the epic, The Minstrel's Song, in which the self-styled high priest, Quantos struggles to gain ascendance and reclaim the power to which he believes he is the sole and rightful heir. During his failed attempt (detailed in book two of the series) to quickly take control of the mysterious mountain realm with its marble-like temple of black glass a few people have gotten a taste of his ambition and each reacts differently; some such as the long suppressed priests are easily seduced by his dream of world domination; while others, mostly followers of the ancient spiritual teachings of the Aheemsa, vow they will never submit. In this volume as Quantos plots and schemes to take control of the two southern realms of Verdenia, first in the rainforests of Sakrodha where the people travel almost exclusively on the great river Ajara, and then in the deserts of Reelobha in the depths of which exists the abandoned capital of Baibek, an oasis where the priests control the magical object called the Scroll of Vigyan. This object is one of the powerful magical upayas originally constructed by the dark wizard Lavros in antiquity. While Quantos is developing his master plan, Laura continues the ancient peaceful traditions of the Aheemsa, the Master Minstrel, in whom dwells the wisdom of the immortals. So far she has escaped the wrath of Quantos because he does not see her as a threat, but other dangers lie in wait in the eastern kingdom of Ankára where Quantos will begin to gather his army of mercenaries and assemble their terrible magical weapons.
About the Author: James Haselton was born in 1949 in Illinois. He graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Music degree and shortly after that, a Master of Music degree both with emphasis in music theory and composition. During this time he wrote many experimental compositions for both electronic media and traditional instruments. In 1985 he received an MBA also from NIU. Fran Lebowitz said in an interview once that there are no child prodigy authors like there are musicians such as Mozart because children have nothing to write about at that young age. It seems to be a true statement and may explain Haselton's late arrival to the art and craft of writing. After decades of searching out the best in science fiction and fantasy literature and merging that with a determined outer and inner search for truth, Haselton has come to a unique point of view and a commitment and passion for expressing it in a special type of story. His motivation as a writer has much to do with literature and language but perhaps even more to do with a life exploring the heights and depths of the human Spirit. He believes that stories should be simultaneously entertaining, didactic, eclectic, and inspirational. Haselton's most recent work, an epic fantasy series for young adults, The Minstrel's Song, embraces these values through a creative process which calls upon a life rich in the joy of music and the very best in literature to develop the singular theme underlying all of life, Spiritual liberation. For additional information about the author please visit his web site at www.jameshaselton.com.