Reaper of Sorrows PDF
Preview Reaper of Sorrows
In an age between the beginning of all creation and the end of all things, humanity knew the truths of sorcery and gods, steel and blood, courage and cowardice. During this forgotten age rises an evil that threatens to destroy the laws governing life and death….
Known as the Scorpion, Rathe Lahkurin is the greatest and most beloved warrior in the kingdom of Cerrikoth, but a jealous rival is plotting his fall from grace….
Deep within a lightless catacomb an aged mystic is entombed behind a wall of flowing blood, and in another tomb an undying maiden burns, all so that an embittered conspirator can gain black powers and take his revenge….
At a remote fortress reserved for the kingdom’s vilest outcasts, buried deep within a sinister forest rife with foul creatures, villagers are vanishing. Others are turning up dead….
Soon the threads of fate will entangle the Scorpion in a plot darker than any nightmare, a trap that threatens not only his life, but his eternal soul.…
Q & A with James A. West—Reaper of Sorrows
Question: Reaper of Sorrows, Volume 1 of Songs of the Scorpion, begins your second series in the epic fantasy genre. How is this story different from your previous work?
James: The main difference is that in typical epic fantasy there is a stated world-threatening danger, obstacle, or dilemma the hero must overcome. Songs of the Scorpion focuses more on one man—Rathe Lahkurin—and his companions, as they combat smaller troubles. While failing to defeat “smaller” challenges might not always result in the end of the world, failure will surely result in a bitter end for Rathe and those he must protect. Having said that, from what I’ve glimpsed of Rathe’s world so far, there are a lot of truly monstrous foes hanging around, which leaves plenty of room for some harrowing quests that will rise high on the epic scale.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for this series?
JW: I’ve always wanted to write an ongoing series of tales that follow the life and times of a primary character. Reaper of Sorrows is the first of many planned adventures for Rathe Lahkurin, the Scorpion of Cerrikoth. Reaper introduces readers to this new world, and it is also a meet and greet with Rathe taking center stage.
Q: So, Reaper of Sorrows is an origin story?
JW: Exactly. Although, as is my habit, I began his story in the thick of things. From there, his life just gets tougher.
Q: Who is Rathe Lahkurin?
JW: Rathe—pronounced like wraith—is the youngest ever commander of the feared Ghosts of Ahnok. He exchanged a hoe for a sword when still a child, and his natural fighting ability and ambition have earned him fame and countless supporters. His success has also made him a target of those with the power and desire to bring him low.
Q: So how many tales do you intend for Rathe?
JW: As to hard numbers, I have no idea, but I can honestly see myself writing about the events of his life for many years to come. Rathe is a legend in the making, but he’s going to have earn that reputation.
Reading order: Songs of the Scorpion
Reaper of Sorrows (volume one)
Lady of Regret (volume two)
Queen of the North (volume three)
Iron Marches (Fall 2014)
Reading order: Heirs of the Fallen series
The God King (book one)
Crown of the Setting Sun (book two)
Shadow and Steel (book three)
Wrath of the Fallen (book four)
Heirs of the Fallen Omnibus
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