It’s been quite the year for reprints of some of my older novels, thanks to modern technology, and now there’s another: Magebane, the stand-alone steampunk-tinged fantasy I originally wrote for DAW Books, under the pseudonym Lee Arthur Chane, and which (he said modestly) received a starred review in Publishers Weekly.
As with Lost in Translation, which I brought out a little earlier, the rights for Magebane were kindly reverted to me by DAW so I could re-release it, which I did through my Endless Sky Books.
You can get it wherever you buy books, but here are the Amazon and Shadowpaw Press links:
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Shadowpaw Press
More about the book:
The ropes on which the sandbags hung fell away, every sandbag plunged to the icy cobblestones, and the airship, like a tethered hawk suddenly set free, shot into the sky.
Eight centuries ago, the MageLords fled a foe they could not defeat, hiding themselves behind an impenetrable magical Barrier. For eight centuries, they have reigned there unchallenged, wielding their power to crush any rebellion by the oppressed Commoners. But the ancient spell that forged their fortress is fraying, and there are those seeking to hasten its demise.
Prince Karl, Heir to the Keys that maintain the Great Barrier, survives a sorcerous attack—and sees his assassin incinerated by rebounding magic. Desperate Commoners, or deeper treachery among the Palace elite? Minister of Public Safety Lord Falk hunts the truth, but his ambitions run far deeper and darker: he plans to execute a forbidden ritual to shatter the Barrier, seize the throne, and unleash the Mageborn on an unsuspecting world.
Yet what lies Outside is no empty wilderness. An airship crashes through the veil from a realm of steam and iron, its young pilot, Anton Carteri, bearing wonders—and warnings of empires that forgot the old wars, rebuilding without magic. Lord Falk seeks to magically enslave Anton to his cause, but Anton and Falk’s ward, Brenna, escape him and flee across frozen lakes and savage wilds, pursued by ruthless Rangers and ancient clans nursing grudges older than the Barriers.
Unknown to all, a vengeful Healer weaves a darker spell from atrocity’s ashes: a weapon to unmake the MageLords forever. As pacts unravel and loyalties fracture, one boy’s survival ignites a spark that could burn two worlds to the ground.
Praise for Magebane:
“Chane makes a splash with this spectacular epic-feeling stand-alone fantasy . . . Double and triple crosses, fast-paced action, and powerful moral conviction will have readers hanging on every word.” – Publishers Weekly (starred review)
”A fascinating and unique world . . . a fast-paced, action-packed book. This is an excellent recommendation for fantasy-loving teens looking for something out of the ordinary.” – VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)
“Evil wizards, multi-level conspiracies, magic, hidden kingdoms, cruel tyrants, usurpers, and a hint of steampunk make this book entertaining. Lee Arthur Chane (also known as Edward Willett) has done a marvellous job of making all of this work together. Magebane is a very entertaining book and well worth the time. 4.5 stars.” – A.M. Donovan, Night Owl Reviews
“Lee Arthur Chane’s Magebane is an original and delightful tale of epic fantasy and magic, steampunk science, adventure, tragedy, and love . . . If you enjoy fantasy, steampunk, and adventure, I think you’ll find Magebane to be a surprisingly delightful blend of the three!” – Errant Dreams
