‘This precise and beautifully crafted novel blooms from its ascetic opening to a resonant and rewarding climax. Makes what’s currently available on fantasy shelves seem hackneyed and formulaic. Utterly absorbing.” Stephen Davenport, Independent Weekly. After ten years of servitude, Nish is about to be released from the blackest prison of the maimed God-Emperor, Jal-Nish Hla ‘This precise and beautifully crafted novel blooms from its ascetic opening to a resonant and rewarding climax. Makes what’s currently available on fantasy shelves seem hackneyed and formulaic. Utterly absorbing.” Stephen Davenport, Independent Weekly. After ten years of servitude, Nish is about to be released from the blackest prison of the maimed God-Emperor, Jal-Nish Hlar, his corrupt father. Jal-Nish holds the two sorcerous quicksilver tears, Gatherer and Reaper, and with them controls all of the Secret Art. All opposition having been crushed, he has begun to remake the world in his depraved image. The only hope of overthrowing him lies in Nish, whom the oppressed peoples of the world see as a messianic figure, the Deliverer for, as Nish was dragged off to prison a decade ago, he wildly promised to return and cast down his father. Unfortunately Nish is powerless and without allies. But worse, his father wants Nish to become his lieutenant and become as corrupt as he is. Jal-Nish offers Nish everything he has ever desired and, faced with the unbearable alternative of another ten years in prison, he isnt sure he can resist the temptation. http://www.ian-irvine.com/tormentstra... REVIEWS Another blockbuster fantasy series. Colin Steele, Canberra Times. Whether you like interesting characters, good description or a well thought out world, this book is bound to impress you. Dont let its somewhat hefty size put you off – it only means that you get to keep reading longer. Nicole Juliette, Dreamhosters.com