Ashley Simmons

The Poison Glen Ashley Simmons

Fear, persecution and death; such is the way of life for the people of Caspria. Conquered 20 years ago by a race of warriors known as the Zadok, they have been robbed of their freedom, dignity and culture, including even the simple joy of worshiping their god Uriel. For Amariah, a willful young woman born during the invasion, the existence of a slave is the only life she has ever known. Raised in secrecy, she has managed to escape many of the atrocities others have endured, until a foolish act endangers not only her own life, but the very future of her people. Until that moment, Amariah was unaware of her heritage; that she is the last living heir to the throne of Caspria, chosen by Uriel to unite the rebel resistance, lead them to victory, and return the faithful to the church. She has but to accept her destiny, reclaim a royal talisman, and use its powers to destroy the Zadok. With the rebels scattered and bickering amongst themselves, a determined enemy in pursuit, and the magical gift required to control the talisman locked deep inside of her, Amariah cannot hope to prevail without divine assistance. Yet Uriel chooses to send help in the form of the most despised betrayer of all humankind. He is known only as The Hunter, the last of the immortal aelven, God?s chosen seraphs. Having fallen from grace centuries ago, and banished for his crimes against the people of Caspria, he has only agreed to help in exchange for his own mysterious reasons. For Amariah to succeed, she will need to look past her own prejudices and beliefs in order to find the truth. For without it, she will never find the compassion to befriend one who is friendless, the courage to lead those who do not want to follow, nor the determination to control a magic capable of making her a tyrant far worse than the one she is trying to defeat.