"Sterling's lushly realized novel should scratch the itch for those awaiting more material from Game of Thrones mastermind George R.R. Martin." - Kirkus Reviews The Mountain Throne is the first book of the Sindathi Twilight trilogy, set in the fantasy world of Urrael. Aged Emperor Thelden III Arrigar's last days are approaching and the Empire's leaders are taking sides in a struggle for power between rival heirs. Blood runs in the streets and the nights are thick with conspiracy. Drake Arrigar is a young bastard prince and half-blooded sorcerer who steals divine power and channels it through his own soul. His is a story of exile and persecution, self-mastery and discovery, and of unlocking ancient and arcane secrets from the world's beginning that only one of his kind can understand. Through this, he struggles to come to terms with an unrealizable birthright. Darius is a Champion of Ryack, holy warrior of the Sindathi Empire and defender of the weak. Strong, brave, and loyal, he reaches the highest levels of the Imperial court. But once there, he sees the sacrifices that must be made to support and protect his emperor. But what compromises are acceptable? Which crimes? And at what cost to his faith and his own immortal soul? Leasha, the senior maiden and chief spy for the emperor's daughter, the Princess Kaya, lives in a world of treachery, secrets, lies, and espionage. As a young pawn of courtly intrigues, she must use her wits, beauty, and ruthless political mind to extract herself from a cunning trap and wreak vengeance upon those who have wronged her. She will be free or die trying. These three childhood friends must navigate the coming storms as murderous plots, treason, and unholy barbarians tear their lives apart. Their trials, failures, and triumphs will have far-reaching consequences for their people and for their own futures. The World: Urrael is a world where sorcerers steal power from the divine realm and channel it through their own souls. They pay for this by suffering persecution by priestly powers for their blasphemous theft and by hearing strange disembodied voices in their minds, spoken by demons of the other world through their tainted souls. You can find more on the work of A.M. Sterling at http: //www.theeverdeep.com.