THE WELL OF SECRETS - available now on Amazon Kindle!

THE WELL OF SECRETS is now available (in Kindle format) on Amazon. I am currently in the process of formatting the paperback version, which should be available in a couple of days.

THE WELL OF SECRETS marks the end of a seven year journey, as it completes the Palâdnith Chronicles - an epic fantasy trilogy about three brothers and the destiny that binds them.

I began this the first draft of what would eventually become the first two books of the series, during 2009, and finished the first draft a year later. That story was huge, and so I split it into two novels, and fleshed out the plot to create JOURNEY OF SHADOWS and THE CITADEL OF LIES. If the end of JOURNEY OF SHADOWS appears a bit of a cliff-hanger, that’s why – it was initially part one of a much bigger book!

THE WELL OF SECRETS was the hardest of the three novels to write. There were so many subplots to bring together, so many loose ends to tie up. As I began the draft of the third part of the series, I also began writing a bit of backstory. This eventually became a tale in its own right and in 2014 I published DEEP-SPIRE, the prequel novella to the series. 

DEEP-SPIRE takes place forty years before Seth, Eni and Val’s adventures, and tells the story of their mother Belythna. Writing DEEP-SPIRE was a bit of a detour, and slowed down the writing and publication of THE WELL OF SECRETS – however, I think the series is better for it.

So, seven years after I started work on JOURNEY OF SHADOWS, my own journey is now complete. It has been sad saying goodbye to the characters and world I have grown to love, but at the same time I’m looking forward to embarking on new adventures. 

What's this novel about?

The last chapter in an epic fantasy adventure begins… 

The Well of Secrets (Book Three of the Palâdnith Chronicles) is a tale of adventure, discovery, fear and courage. It's the story of three men, and the legacy that binds them. 

Seth, Eni and Val Falkyn stand at a crossroads. The Citadel of Lies now lies behind them and the Collar of Jade is lost. 

Floriana DeSanith convinces the brothers that in order to gain the skills they need to rescue their mother from Moden, they must first become Sentorân. Reluctantly, the brothers return home to Barrowthorne, to begin their training – a decision that they eventually come to regret. 

Meanwhile, an ambitious young realmlord travels to Deep-Spire with hopes of power and glory. At the same time, Edessa Delfen – who has escaped the Malwagen – begins a hunt for the man she deems responsible for the death of her lover: Seth Falkyn. 

When a new discovery comes to light, the brothers’ focus changes once more. Instead of continuing their training, they set of on another quest – this time in search of the mythical 'Well of Secrets'. 

However, there is far more at stake than the brothers realise… 

The first two installments of the Palâdnith Chronicles are both available on Amazon (Kindle and paperback editions). 

Journey of Shadows (Book One of the Palâdnith Chronicles) 
The Citadel of Lies (Book Two of the Palâdnith Chronicles) 

First draft of THE WELL OF SECRETS - done!

After over a year in the writing, the third (and final) installment in the Paladnith Chronicles, inches towards publication. 

The first draft of THE WELL OF SECRETS, is done!

This tale concludes the adventures of three brothers: Seth, Eni and Val Falkyn that begin with the first book in the series, JOURNEY OF SHADOWS (2013), and continue with THE CITADEL OF LIES (2014).

The brothers begin their training to become Sentoran, but events soon conspire against them.

A witch and a warlord make an alliance that puts all of Paladnith at risk, and an ancient mystery is rediscovered,

In a world in turmoil, three brothers embark on another journey - one they may never return from.

Find out more about the story on my Pinterest storyboard!

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Sign up to Sam's monthly newsletter and receive a FREE copy of DEEP-SPIRE (PDF format). Newsletter subscribers will also get sneak previews of upcoming novels, behind the scenes 'extras', epic fantasy book reviews & recommendations, and podcasts from Sam!

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KINDLE BOOK PROMOTION: JOURNEY OF SHADOWS

Ready for an adventure? Fast-paced, character-driven traditional epic fantasy

Grab JOURNEY OF SHADOWS (Book one of the Palâdnith Chronicles) for 99 cents for five days only on Amazon! 

Offer runs from 27-31 October - so don't miss out!

Do you love traditional epic fantasy, but are looking for a truly epic adventure with characters you can truly relate to?

JOURNEY OF SHADOWS (shortlisted for the Sir Julius Vogel Awards, 2014) is the first novel in the Palâdnith Chronicles, a traditional epic fantasy series that's fast-paced and full of classic epic fantasy elements: coming of age, good versus evil, and a quest. However, my characters are people just like you and me, thrown into an epic adventure and forced to deal with the consequences. 

Have you ever dreamed of a different life - one of adventure, excitement and purpose?

Seth, Eni and Val have. Yet, dreaming is all they have done. Until, the day fate intervenes.

Three brothers. One legacy that binds them.

JOURNEY OF SHADOWS introduces you to the world of Palâdnith. I let my readers discover Palâdnith, and the scheming realmlords who rule it, through the eyes of my characters. You won't find pages of back-story and lengthy descriptions. You're launched into the story from the first pages!

Sounds like the kind of epic fantasy you are looking for?

Get a copy of JOURNEY OF SHADOWS for 99 cents from Amazon while this offer lasts.

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Would you like to read the prequel novella to the Palâdnith Chronicles for free?

Sign up to Sam's monthly newsletter and receive a FREE copy of DEEP-SPIRE (PDF format). Newsletter subscribers will also get sneak previews of upcoming novels, behind the scenes 'extras', epic fantasy book reviews & recommendations, and podcasts from Sam!

Email Address

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THE WELL OF SECRETS... epic fantasy adventure on its way

Book Three of the Palâdnith Chronicles – work in progress…

I’m just under the half-way point of writing the manuscript (moving country has slowed the progress down slightly!), and it’s become clear that this is going to be the biggest book of the series. There are a lot of sub-plots to bring together, many stories to wrap up and a host of questions that need answering.

Yes – this story is going to be epic, in all senses!

The book may still be a work in progress – although I am steaming ahead now I’m settled again – but the cover is ready to go. This is my favourite cover of the series and, like the others, is the work of David Ortega – a graphic artist based in Spain.

If you enjoyed JOURNEY OF SHADOWS and THE CITADEL OF LIES then you’ll be wondering what THE WELL OF SECRETS holds. Here are a few lines to whet your appetite… There will be more details about the book coming soon.
 

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THE WELL OF SECRETS

Book Three of the Palâdnith Chronicles

 

The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it…

A year has passed since Seth, Eni and Val Falkyn found Captain Tobin dead on the road to Marlock – and the Collar of Jade missing.

After their epic journeys across Palâdnith, and narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Moden Walkers, the brothers are ready to begin their training with Floriana DeSanith. The sorceress has promised to help them become Sentorân. They are the last of an order thought to have been extinguished years earlier.

The brothers return home to Barrowthorne to begin their training, and are met with a cold reception from their father. Time is short and they are far from ready when trouble comes.

Their discovery of an ancient portal to Moden – the underworld prison where their mother has been trapped for other thirty years – means the time for waiting is at an end.

The Well of Secrets has been lost for a thousand years. It is hidden, in the lowest, darkest depths of the Esquill stronghold: Deep-Spire. It is the only way in to Moden. Yet, it is not a safe path.

It seems that some secrets are best left uncovered…

COMING SOON - DEEP-SPIRE - the prequel novella to the Palâdnith Chronicles

Every series needs a prequel, and the Palâdnith Chronicles is no exception! DEEP-SPIRE takes place around forty years before the first novel in this epic fantasy series, JOURNEY OF SHADOWS.

Read on to find out more... 

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“Only the dead have seen the end of war.” ― Plato

Belythna Arran is a sorceress.

Belythna is one of the Sentorân, an order charged with the protection of Palâdnith – a land that has seen too much blood-shed in its history. She pledged, at the age of thirteen, to dedicate her life to the Sentorân – but as the years pass she begins to realise that the walls of Deep-Spire, the order’s stronghold, have become a prison.

Once, powerful and respected, the order has fallen into stagnation.

The rulers of Paladnith no longer seek their council, and the people view the sorcerers with distrust.

However, the greatest threat to the Sentorân, and everything they stand for, comes from within.

Riadamor, an ambitious young sorceress, rebels against the order. Her act is a catalyst for a series of events that bring the Sentorân to the edge of doom.

Belythna, who entered the order at the same time as Riadamor, struggles to come to terms with a changing world, and her place in it. As Deep-Spire edges towards war, she must decide who she really is, and where her loyalties lie.  

DEEP-SPIRE sets the scene for the first novel in the Palâdnith Chronicles, JOURNEY OF SHADOWS (Shortlisted for the Sir Julius Vogel Awards, 2014). DEEP-SPIRE is a tale of duty, choice and self-discovery.

DEEP-SPIRE will be available soon on Amazon Kindle. Watch this space!

BOOK LAUNCH #4 - Giveaway ends and promotion extends!

The Goodreads Giveaway for the first two books of the Palâdnith Chronicles had a huge response!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Goodreads giveaway for both Journey of Shadows (Book #1: 2 copies) and The Citadel of Lies (Book #2: 3 copies).

Paperback copies have just been sent out to the five winners!

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Extension of Amazon Promotion:

Due to its popularity, I am extending the book promotion for Journey of Shadows or another seven days. The promotion now ends on 25 November!

Journey of Shadows (Book One of the Palâdnith Chronicles) will be for sale for US$0.99 cents - for another seven days!

Grab a copy from Amazon Kindle for just US$0.99 cents while the promotion lasts!

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Looking for an exciting new epic fantasy series to get lost in? 

Here's what the Palâdnith Chronicles is about:

Magic once ruled the fate of all, but that time has long passed.

Palâdnith is a land ruled by scheming realmlords; a land that is slowly slipping into a chaos of its own making. The coming of an eclipse marks the beginning of a new era, and three brothers - Seth, Eni and Val Falkyn - are all that stand between hope and despair. 

Want to find out more about the story? Take a look at the BOOK TRAILER for Journey of Shadows, the first book of the series, below:

The Citadel of Lies BOOK LAUNCH - Part #3

To finish off the launch of my new epic fantasy novel, The Citadel of Lies, with a bang - I'm running a special promotion, from 9-18 November.

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Journey of Shadows (Book One of the Palâdnith Chronicles) will be for sale for just US$0.99 cents for nine days only.

Grab a copy from Amazon Kindle for just US$0.99 cents while the promotion lasts!

_____________________________________________________________

Looking for an exciting new epic fantasy series to get lost in? 

Here's what the Palâdnith Chronicles is about:

Magic once ruled the fate of all, but that time has long passed.

Palâdnith is a land ruled by scheming realmlords; a land that is slowly slipping into a chaos of its own making. The coming of an eclipse marks the beginning of a new era, and three brothers - Seth, Eni and Val Falkyn - are all that stand between hope and despair. 

Want to find out more about the story? Take a look at the BOOK TRAILER for Journey of Shadows, the first book of the series, below:

Sneak peek at The Citadel of Lies

The final edits and polish are being made to The Citadel of Lies (Book Two of the

Palâdnith Chronicles). The  final stages before publication are an exciting period for an author. The long months of edits are over - the rewrites, exasperation, and even more rewrites, are done. Now its about making the novel shine. For those of you who are patiently waiting - your wait is almost over! In the meantime, I have pasted in the Prologue of The Citadel of Lies into this blog post, to whet your appetite!

If you enjoy the Prologue and would like to read more, but haven't yet read the first book in the series, here's a link to it on Amazon: Journey of Shadows (Book One of the Palâdnith Chronicles) - available in Kindle edition (US$2.99) or in paperback (US$10.44).

As the theme of this book centres of the difference between truth and lies, the tale begins with a quote from the great Marcus Aurelius. 

The

Citadel

of

Lies

Book Two of the Palâdnith Chronicles

Sam J. Charlton

Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact.

Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.

Marcus Aurelius

Prologue

The Messenger

  “My Queen, I bring news.”

The voice rasped, breaking the endless silence.

“Obviously, or you wouldn’t be here. Tell me, have my servants succeeded?”

The woman’s gaze slid over the ravaged creature that bowed before her. Like the others, he would serve her till she chose to free him. Although she could not communicate directly with the four she had sent out through the portal, the others here could share their thoughts. They were one entity, the keepers – and now they served only her.

The keeper before her cringed and stepped back from his mistress before replying.

“The brothers still elude their hunters.”

The woman frowned.

“How is that possible?” she enunciated each word carefully, as if speaking to a half-wit. “How have three creatures, bred for one purpose only, failed me?”

“They have not failed you yet mistress. The youngest of the three brothers escaped on horseback. He travelled inland and entered the Valley of the Tors, where the Malwagen took him captive. There, your servant could not reach him. He managed to escape the sprites, and his hunter has now tracked him to Mirfaran. The assassin sent after the weaponsmith travelled to Catedrâl, only to find his quarry three days gone – he now tracks him through the Rocklands towards Tarras. The eldest brother survived two attacks during his journey west, before he met with Floriana DeSanith on the road across the High Dragon Spines. She has given him courage and purpose.”

The messenger’s voice trailed off then, watching as his mistress’s face grew thunderous.

“I gave my own blood to create those creatures,” she hissed, her eyes narrowing into slits, “and they cannot catch three unsuspecting and untrained men!”

“There is still time my Queen! Your servants close in, even as we speak. They will not fail you.”

The woman clenched her fists and waited for her murderous rage to pass.

“They had better not. What news of my fourth servant. Has he found it yet?”

“Not yet my Queen. He searches still, but it has been hidden well.”

“Over two decades in that place and still no closer to retrieving it – I am very disappointed in you all.”

The servant quivered, but wisely kept silent.

The woman waved him away.

“Leave me. I cannot stand the sight of any of you!”

The messenger shuffled back, bowing so low that his knuckles scraped on the damp stone. Relieved to have survived the encounter, the creature stepped onto a rope bridge that creaked under his weight, and hurried away.

Riadamor, Queen of Moden sighed. She suddenly felt old and weary beyond description. She looked about her with disdain. What a foul domain she ruled. Three decades of residence in this wretched prison had not made her accept her fate.

She stood on the stone platform; the very place she and Belythna had awoken on the day of their arrival. It was the portal into Moden but in thirty years there had been no other newcomers – they had been the last.

It had been from this platform that she had sent her four servants forth. After years of experiment and failure, she had discovered that, unlike mortals, the Keepers of Moden could pass through the portal. The keepers she had chosen had not wanted to go, but torture had made them biddable. She had sent the first one out years ago, but had been forced to wait till the brothers’ Sentorân charms no longer protected them before she could send forth the others. It had taken a powerful spell, and much of her own blood, but she had eventually succeeded in transporting her servants out of Moden and into Palâdnith – the world she was desperate to return to.

In reality, the platform on which she stood was the flat top of a rock pillar that rose from the centre of the abyss and anchored a network of rope bridges. It was a solitary island of stone in an empty sea, and five paces from one side to the other.

Riadamor circled the platform, her long silver gown rustling as she strode. With Belythna dealt with – imprisoned in one of the many cells that lined the cavern walls – time stretched out with agonising slowness. Moden held her in stasis. She did not need to eat or sleep; she would never grow old or die. The boredom of her existence had almost broken her but still she fought it.

I will not be defeated, Riadamor vowed, my servants will do my bidding and I will leave this place.

The witch knelt then and placed her hands on the cold stone beneath her feet.

I came into Moden through this stone and I will leave the same way. 

Patience, my fellow epic fantasy adventure lovers - the rest is coming soon!