Argren Blue: An Epic Fantasy

by Ross Hightower, Deb Heim

Overview

"Readers are immersed in a gripping fantasy tale filled with resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of freedom." -Literary Titan

Rebels strike at the heart of an evil oligarchy - a story for our times.

As the leader of the rebel group Oss'stera, Alar's burning desire to topple the oppressive Vollen Empire drives him to join the resistance. But with one failure after another, he begins to question if their fight makes any difference.

Amidst the chaos, Alar discovers abilities reminiscent of the legendary heroes of old. When a powerful witch from the empire offers a risky mission to infiltrate an Inquisition stronghold and free prisoners, Alar and his allies seize the opportunity. Their success attracts the empire's attention, and they realize the true consequences of their actions. Can this rag-tag group of rebels have any chance of defeating this evil oligarchy or is it already too late?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781685131982
Publisher:	Black Rose Writing
Publication date:	05/18/2023
Series:	Spirit Song: Rebels Rising , #1
Pages:	436
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.97(d)

About the Author

Ross Hightower and DL Heim have been partners in crime for more than 36 years. While Ross built a career as a professor and Deb worked on four advanced degrees, they managed to raise two wonderful people and launch them into the world. When Ross started writing his first novel, Spirit Sight, they never dreamed they would work together, but after a rocky beginning, they discovered they loved writing together. It took a few beers, many intense conversations, and a few arguments to produce Argren Blue, the second Spirit Song novel. There will be many more to come.

Ross Hightower and DL Heim have been partners in crime for more than 36 years. While Ross built a career as a professor and Deb worked on four advanced degrees, they managed to raise two wonderful people and launch them into the world. When Ross started writing his first novel, Spirit Sight, they never dreamed they would work together, but after a rocky beginning, they discovered they loved writing together. It took a few beers, many intense conversations, and a few arguments to produce Argren Blue, the second Spirit Song novel. There will be many more to come.

Editorial Reviews

2023-05-19
A band of rebels strikes a blow against the oppressive Empire in Hightower and Heim’s latest entry in the Spirit Song fantasy series.

Sixteen-year-old Alar thought being a rebel would be heroic. Unfortunately, he and the other members of the oss’stera resistance—dedicated to driving the hated Empire from their homeland of Argren, a magical fantasy realm —aren’t actually very good at killing imperial soldiers. Even when they manage to do so, more show up to take their places. As their seemingly futile rebellion wages on, Alar feels a strange power awakening inside of him—a cool, serene spot behind his eyes that seems to slow down time in moments of danger. Soon after, a witch appears in the rebels’ camp with an unusual offer: She will help Alar and his allies break into the Empire’s dreaded Inquisition prison to free several political prisoners, including a girl whom Alar feels responsible for. But why does this witch want to help them on this potentially suicidal mission? Meanwhile, novice inquisitor Harold Wolfe is sent to track down the rebel group only to get caught up in a scheme involving the corrupt imperial governor of Argren and a collection of stolen art. The authors’ prose is often painterly, appropriate given that Argren’s primary export to the rest of the Empire is its rare paint pigments: “It was the vibrant colors that attracted the artists to the valley. The surrounding hills were rich in the plants and minerals required to produce the vivid hues the Alle’oss loved. The inhabitants of the valley grew rich on pigments coveted throughout the Empire and beyond.” The world is vast and meticulously crafted, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously to have fun. The plot moves swiftly, and the characters, if familiar in type, play their roles well. Readers should find their appetites sufficiently whetted to seek out the other novels in the Spirit Song series.

An expertly spun fantasy adventure featuring magic, combat, and art appreciation.

Kirkus Reviews