Short Synopsis
Political intrigue and dark violence converge in a superb new action series of enthralling fantasy.

Full Synopsis
An ice age strikes a chain of islands, and thousands come to seek sanctuary at the gates of Villjamur: a city of ancient spires and bridges, a place where banshees wail the deceased, cultists use forgotten technology for their own gain, and where, further out, the dead have been seen walking across the tundra.

When the Emperor commits suicide, his elder daughter, Rika, is brought home to lead the Jamur Empire, but the sinister Chancellor plans to get rid of her and claim the throne for himself.

Meanwhile, a senior investigator in the city inquisition must solve the high-profile and savage murder of a city politician while battling evils within his own life, and a handsome and serial womanizer manipulates his way into the imperial residence with a hidden agenda.

When reports are received that tens of thousands of citizens are dying in a bizarre genocide on the northern islands of the Empire, members of the elite Night Guard are sent to investigate. It seems that, in this land under a red sun, the long winter is bringing more than just snow.

"The novel is fast-moving and intricately plotted.... Readers…will enjoy exploring this impressive world." ---Kirkus

"Steven Crossley is a fantastic narrator. It's very surreal hearing your own words read back to you.... There's some strange psychological disconnection now. It is as if the characters have taken a step closer to being real entities.... This says a lot about the quality of the narration." ---Mark Charan Newton

"With Nights of Villjamur Mark has managed to incorporate so many wonderfully varied ideas and themes into a decent blend of excitement and interest." ---Peter F. Hamilton

"[Crossley] tells the story with quiet enthusiasm for each strand of the complex plot.... His storytelling style is conversational and animated, yet intimate." ---AudioFile

"[An] impressive debut…. Newton handles his multilayered world and diverse cast of characters with the assurance of an experienced author." ---Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"Newton's compelling and visionary debut approaches epic fantasy with a fresh eye. Highly recommended." ---Library Journal Starred Review

"While the sun over Villjamur is dying, Mark Charan Newton's star as a writer is burning with a fierce talent." ---Stephen Hunt, author of The Kingdom Beyond the Waves

Kirkus Bestseller

Library Journal Bestseller

Publishers Weekly Review

Library Journal Review