***Look out for***The Bone Ships***, the start of a new fantasy series by RJ Barker!***

'Age of Assassins reveals its mysteries with the style of a magic show and the artful grace of a gifted storyteller' **Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld

TO CATCH AN ASSASSIN, USE AN ASSASSIN...**

Girton Club-Foot, apprentice to the land's best assassin, still has much to learn about the art of taking lives. But his latest mission tasks Girton and his master with a far more difficult challenge: to save a life. Someone, or many someones, is trying to kill the heir to the throne, and it is up to Girton and his master to uncover the traitor and prevent the prince's murder.
In a kingdom on the brink of civil war and a castle thick with lies Girton finds friends he never expected, responsibilities he never wanted, and a conspiracy that could destroy an entire land.

***SHORTLISTED FOR THE DAVID GEMMELL AWARDS 2018***
***SHORTLISTED FOR THE KITSCHIE AWARDS 2018***

'Dead gods, dread magic, and a lead that feels like a breath of fresh air. Great fun' Peter Newman, author of The Vagrant

'Outstanding. Beautifully written, perfectly paced and assured. Kept me reading well into the early hours of the morning. A wonderful first book - a wonderful book, period - that should be at the very top of your to-read list' James Islington, author of The Shadow of what was Lost

'Simply unputdownable . . . the perfect mix of fantasy and mystery' Fantasy Book Review

'With an original, immersive world that wouldn't let me go and a pair of assassins worth rooting for, Age of Assassins is a pleasure to read. I can't wait for more!' Melissa Caruso, author of The Tethered Mage

'A dark-humored game of cat and mouse between assassins, with traitors on all sides' David Dalglish, author of the Shadowdance series

'Age of Assassins builds a compelling fantasy world and peoples it with characters you can care about. Riddled with intrigue and dangerous magic, this is a hugely enjoyable debut' Jen Williams, author of The Copper Promise

'Age of Assassins is a beguiling story of action and intrigue combined with a poignancy and humour that are as sharp as any blade' Jon Skovron, author of Hope and Red

'Compellingly complex political intrigue and steel-sparking action sequences leavened by warm humour and genuine emotional depth' **Chris Brookmyre, author of the Jack Parlabane novels

The Wounded Kingdom trilogy begins with AGE OF ASSASSINS, continues with BLOOD OF ASSASSINS and will continue with KING OF ASSASSINS.**