The Garden of Stones

Written by Mark T. Barnes

Narrated by Nick Podehl

Shortlisted for the Gemmell Morningstar Award - Best Debut Novel

An uneasy peace has existed since the fall of the Awakened Empire centuries ago. Now the hybrid Avān share the land with the people they once conquered: the star-born humans; the spectral, undead Nomads; and what remains of the Elemental Masters.

With the Empress-in-Shadows an estranged ghost, it is the ancient dynasties of the Great Houses and the Hundred Families that rule. But now civil war threatens to draw all of Shrīan into a vicious struggle sparked by one man’s lust for power, and his drive to cheat death.

Visions have foretold that Corajidin, dying ruler of House Erebus, will not only survive, but rise to rule his people. The wily nobleman seeks to make his destiny certain—by plundering the ruins of his civilization’s past for the arcane science needed to ensure his survival, and by mercilessly eliminating his rivals. But mercenary warrior-mage Indris, scion of the rival House Näsarat, stands most powerfully in the usurper’s bloody path. For it is Indris who reluctantly accepts the task of finding a missing man, the only one able to steer the teetering nation towards peace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: May 21, 2013
• ISBN: 9781469290492

Mark T. Barnes

Mark Barnes was born in Sydney, Australia, in September of 1966. A strong athlete, he was also drawn to the arts at a young age, penning his first short story as a seven-year-old. He worked in finance and advertising and eventually landed satisfying work in information technology, where he continues to manage a freelance organizational change consultancy. In 2005, when Mark was selected to attend the Clarion South residential short story workshop, he began to write with the intention of making it more than a hobby. Since that time, Mark has published a number of short stories, worked as a freelance script editor, and has driven creative consultancy for a television series. The Obsidian Heart is book two in the Echoes of Empire series, which began with his first novel, The Garden of Stones.

Reviews for The Garden of Stones

[imyril · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

An intriguing setting makes up for most of the flaws, although the writing style stumbles repeatedly. Far from perfect, but diverting and - yes, ultimately, there's enough promise and intrigue in the world itself to leave me curious, even though I didn't particularly like the characters or some of the narrative choices.

[jenn.s · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Right up front you are bombarded with a wealth of information about the world and those that inhabit it. At times it's just too much to absorb for the average reader. If you can get through the first half of the book you'll find this is a really great read. I wasn't fond of the exotic descriptions, especially of the battle scenes. The book as a whole has a lot to offer with well fleshed out characters and a plot that is anything but simple. Overall it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to future releases by this author.





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