The Rise of Sarnai

by Michael McCloskey

Overview

The nation of Sarnai is tucked away in three fertile valleys, surrounded by mountains. Only a single fortified pass called Gateway connects them to the vast unknown of the outside world. Here, the Sarnese have lived ordered lives for centuries. Their achievements have grown one atop the other, increasing the power and wealth of their lands, their dwellings... and their army.

Yet a shadow has fallen over the nation. A plague of infertility has risen among the population, and it becomes clear the Sarnese are in need of new blood. For the first time, they look to the world beyond Gateway.

The Sarnese leader Pharkol has always thirsted for glory. His machinations are aimed toward creating his own grand destiny as a warlord emperor of Sarnai. His greatest ally is his wife Simarra, a seer who uses her influence to secure his rule. She has told her husband he is fated to rule the outside world... and take three new wives. Together, these two will forge the xenophobic Sarnese into a nation of conquerors.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940033067152
Publisher:	Michael McCloskey
Publication date:	02/20/2012
Sold by:	Smashwords
Format:	eBook
File size:	395 KB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

I am a software engineer in Silicon Valley who dreams of otherworldly creatures, mysterious alien planets, and fantastic adventures. I am also an indie author with over 120K paid sales plus another 90K free downloads.

Editorial Reviews

In this epic story of ancient conquest, a man leads his army against several nations in order to fulfill a prophecy of greatness. The leader of the Sarnese people is a power-hungry and bloodthirsty man called Pharkol, who, together with his wife Simarra's powers as a seer, plans to defend their city against invaders. Once the attacking army is defeated, Simarra announces that in order to sustain and grow the Sarnese population, Pharkol must extend his power outside the Gateway to the barbaric people beyond its protection. She prophesies that Pharkol will take three more wives besides her, and the sons from these wives will rule the empire. But before Pharkol embarks with his warriors, Simarra warns of a dark omen of death--the marzen, a large bird of prey. With this in mind, Pharkol ventures out and fiercely destroys any savages that threaten his campaign for Sarnese glory. After each successful battle, Pharkol picks a new wife. The first is kind and meets a tragic end at the hands of the second, who is wild and violent. The third is an intelligent ambassador. Meanwhile, Simarra continues to send him letters forecasting the demise of still more enemies. Simarra reveals herself to be the real catalyst for the action in this novel, although fans of war tactics and battle scenes are sure to enjoy Pharkol's exploits. However, Pharkol himself remains a rather one-dimensional character with his impassive killings and aggressive domination over his wives, who are in fact victims that are seen as spoils of war. Pharkol's victories start to become predictable, and his hubris is unwavering, since he's secure in the knowledge of his prophesied empire, but the ending offers an interesting portrait of a man who knows nothing other than martial success. A straightforward, imaginative tale of conquest and warfare.

Kirkus Reviews