David B. Coe
Author of Fantasy Novels and the Occasional Short Story
For nearly a thousand years the people of Tobyn-Ser
have been served by the Children of Amarid, men and women who wield the
Mage-Craft, a strange and powerful magic that flows from the psychic bond
the mages form with their avian familiars. Members of the Order of Mages
and Masters are governed by the laws handed down by Amarid, the first
of their kind, who committed the Mage-Craft and all who would possess
it to serving and protecting the land. Only once in a thousand years has
a mage defied those laws. Theron, a contemporary of Amarid, sought to
use his powers to gain wealth and glory. And for that he was punished,
although not before he brought down a terrible curse on his fellow mages
and all who would come after them. Since Theron's death, though, the Children
of Amarid have fulfilled their oaths, healing Tobyn-Ser's people when
they are injured or ill, repelling invasions by the land's enemies, and
caring for the people in times of crisis.
But recently rumors have spread across Tobyn-Ser like smoke from a wildfire. Children of Amarid have been seen destroying crops, starting fires, vandalizing homes, and, most horribly, massacring men, women, and children. Have the mages forsaken their promise to serve the land? Has Theron returned from beyond death to take his vengeance on the land? Or does Tobyn-Ser face a new threat, one that its people and mages are ill-prepared and ill-equipped to face?
With the land in turmoil and the people's faith in the Mage-Craft badly shaken, it falls to Jaryd, a young mage with extraordinary potential, but little knowledge of the power he wields to find and destroy Tobyn-Ser's enemies before they destroy the world.
Children of Amarid is the first volume of The LonTobyn Chronicle, David's Crawford Award-winning debut series. It is followed in the series by The Outlanders and Eagle-Sage.
*****
"A very intricate tale with some excellent characterizations. It has many strengths and pure readability, plus intricate characterizations and plot. I really enjoyed it." -- Anne McCaffrey
"Coe is a natural born story-teller. Sit back and enjoy the journey!" -- Sherwood Smith
"In his first novel, historian Coe has crafted an elegantly written fantasy. Recommended for fantasy collections." -- Library Journal
"Coe writes well and creates engaging characters." -- Publisher's Weekly
"A journey of delightful reading." -- Realms of Fantasy
"A new author with a fresh voice and intricate characterizations writes an old story in a magical, innovative way. This debut novel is a rich, magical adventure." -- Book Page
"With the first book in his LonTobyn Chronicle, David B. Coe bids fair to become one of epic fantasy's premier authors. This book grabbed me by the front of the shirt and pulled me into the magical and mysterious world of Tobyn-Ser, enthralling me from page one. A marvelous tale of mystery and magic." -- Barnes and Noble Explorations
"Children of Amarid is a good choice for
beginner readers of fantasy, particularly young readers.
It's "G" rated, well written and provides a nice presentation
of many classic fantasy elements. I found the tale an interesting one,
combining in new ways some familiar concepts of many fantasy works: bonding
with animals, jewels of power, interactions with long-dead evil wizards,
conflicts between technology and wizardry, and a young magic-user learning
to control and use his skill. I enjoyed it. Read Children of Amarid as
a great initial experience of the fantasy genre." -- The New Jersey
Graveline