The Lascar's Dagger: The Forsaken Lands

by Glenda Larke

Overview

Faith will not save him.



Saker appears to be a simple priest, but in truth he's a spy for the head of his faith. Wounded in the line of duty by a Lascar sailor's blade, the weapon seems to follow him home. Unable to discard it, nor the sense of responsibility it brings, Saker can only follow its lead.


The dagger puts Saker on a journey to distant shores, on a path that will reveal terrible secrets about the empire, about the people he serves, and destroy the life he knows. The Lascar's dagger demands a price, and that price will be paid in blood.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316399661
Publisher:	Orbit
Publication date:	03/18/2014
Series:	The Forsaken Lands , #1
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	512
Sales rank:	810,951
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.10(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

Glenda Larke was born in Western Australia and trained as a teacher. She has taught English in Australia, Vienna, Tunisia and Malaysia. Glenda has two children and lives in Western Australia with her husband.

Editorial Reviews

12/23/2013
Magic, religion, and the spice trade combine in this intriguing series launch from fantasist Larke (the Stormlord trilogy). Saker Rampion, spy and cleric, is sent to the royal court as spiritual adviser to the future king. He stumbles across a religious conspiracy that threatens both his nation and his faith. When he is sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit, only magic-wielding royal handmaiden Sorrel Redwing can save him. Plot twists that in other hands might feel predictable have a sense of solid inevitability. As the slow-burning plot unfolds, Larke's attention to detail and worldbuilding come into their own, and a complex web of political machinations is gradually revealed. Densely plotted without being convoluted, this is an absorbing political fantasy that bodes well for the rest of the series. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

"The Lascar's Dagger is a brilliant, complex, entertaining start to a new series, with deeply-considered cultures and characters, a plot that grabs hold and doesn't let go, exotic settings, and mysterious powers apparently determined to change the fate of anyone who comes near them. Outstanding all the way to the last word...which left me panting for more. Glenda Larke tops my chart."—Elizabeth Moon, New York Times bestselling author

"If it's breathtaking adventure, exotic world-building and fabulous characters and their dilemmas you're after, then Glenda Larke is the author you want. The Lascar's Dagger is the start of another wonderful fantasy series."—Karen Miller

"Magic, religion, and the spice trade combine in this intriguing series launch... This is an absorbing political fantasy that bodes well for the rest of the series."—Publishers Weekly on The Lascar's Dagger

"If you are looking for a new epic fantasy series that will engage, entertain (and maybe even enthrall you) in equal measures, then Larke's your author and The Forsaken Lands is your series."—Civilian Reader

From the Publisher

"Rich world building will capture the reader's interest. With a forceful heroine who is mature and experienced, Larke crafts a fantastic tale that moves beyond a typical coming-of-age fantasy. "

RT Book Reviews on The Aware

"In her previous novels Larke has demonstrated an enviable skill. With this novel she moves into the realm of sheer virtuosity."

The West Australian on The Last Stormlord

"What a tale...This is a GREAT book."

Aurealis magazine on The Last Stormlord

03/15/2014
Spy and cleric Saker Rampion is eavesdropping on some powerful merchants discussing contraband they have smuggled from the exotic spice islands, but he's not alone. A Lascar native to those islands is also watching the group, and when the two clash, Saker ends up in possession of the Lascar's dagger—a weapon that will change Saker's destiny. Meanwhile, amid rumors of religious strife in nearby Ardrone, the head of Saker's religious order sends him to be the spiritual adviser to the heirs to Ardrone's throne. Saker makes a terrible mistake, and only the aid of a palace handmaiden with a magical talent will save him from execution. VERDICT Australian Larke ("The Stormlord Trilogy") creates a rich world filled with political and religious conflict. The wonderfully flawed characters and a nuanced battle of good versus evil make this series opener a solid bet for fantasy fans.

Library Journal