Action & Adventure
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The Desert Prince (The Nightfall Saga, 1)
An epic fantasy adventure set in the beloved world of the Demon Cycle, following a new generation of heroes, from New York Times bestselling author Peter V. Brett
"Heart-wrenching, smart, and modern . . . The Desert Prince has set a new standard for fantasy."-Wesley Chu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The War Arts Saga
Fifteen years have passed since the end of the war with demons, creatures of darkness who have hunted the night and plagued humanity since time out of mind. The heroes of humanity's hour of need have become legend, and those who remain struggle to escape their shadows.
Olive Paper and Darin Bales have grown up in this new peaceful world. Demons have been all but destroyed, but dangers still lurk for the children of heroes.
Olive, princess of Hollow, has her entire life planned out by her mother, Duchess Leesha Paper: a steady march on a checklist to prepare her for succession. The more her mother writes the script, the more Olive rails against playing the parts she is assigned.
Darin faces challenges of a different kind. Though free to choose his own path, the weight of legacy hangs heavy around his shoulders. It isn't easy being the son of the man people say saved the world. Everyone expects greatness from Darin, but the only thing he's ever been great at is hiding.
When Olive and Darin step across the wards one night, they learn the demons are not all gone, and those that remain hunger for revenge. Events are set in motion that only prophecy can foresee as Olive and Darin seek to find their own places in the world in time to save it again.
"Heart-wrenching, smart, and modern . . . The Desert Prince has set a new standard for fantasy."-Wesley Chu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The War Arts Saga
Fifteen years have passed since the end of the war with demons, creatures of darkness who have hunted the night and plagued humanity since time out of mind. The heroes of humanity's hour of need have become legend, and those who remain struggle to escape their shadows.
Olive Paper and Darin Bales have grown up in this new peaceful world. Demons have been all but destroyed, but dangers still lurk for the children of heroes.
Olive, princess of Hollow, has her entire life planned out by her mother, Duchess Leesha Paper: a steady march on a checklist to prepare her for succession. The more her mother writes the script, the more Olive rails against playing the parts she is assigned.
Darin faces challenges of a different kind. Though free to choose his own path, the weight of legacy hangs heavy around his shoulders. It isn't easy being the son of the man people say saved the world. Everyone expects greatness from Darin, but the only thing he's ever been great at is hiding.
When Olive and Darin step across the wards one night, they learn the demons are not all gone, and those that remain hunger for revenge. Events are set in motion that only prophecy can foresee as Olive and Darin seek to find their own places in the world in time to save it again.
Editorial Reviews
"An intricately crafted tale of intrigue and courage where one's station and lineage determine everything, good and bad . . . an exciting read . . . Peter Brett has outdone himself with this first book in a new series."-Terry Brooks
"The Desert Prince is the work of a master at the top of his game. The new cast of would-be heroes instantly draws you into a world full of old dangers as Brett cranks up the tension to unbearable levels. If you're going to read this book, cancel all your plans, because there's no way you'll be able to put it down once you start."-Mike Shackle, author of We Are the Dead
"Peter Brett takes the reader with him and his characters on an electric and unrelenting charge through the demon-haunted depths of the Warded universe, full of love and death."-Naomi Novik, New York Times bestselling author of A Deadly Education
Praise for Peter V. Brett's Demon Cycle
"Fans of epic fantasy in the tradition of Robert Jordan and George R. R. Martin will enjoy the arrival of a strong voice in multivolume epic fantasy."-Library Journal
"The Warded Man works not only as a great adventure novel, but as a reflection on the nature of heroism."-Charlaine Harris, New York Times bestselling author
"The most significant and cinematic fantasy epic since The Lord of the Rings-inspired, compelling, and totally addictive!"-Paul W. S. Anderson, director of Resident Evil: Afterlife
"Peter V. Brett is one of my favorite new authors."-Patrick Rothfuss, New York Times bestselling author of The Name of the Wind
"[Brett is] at the top of his game."-Tordotcom
"[A] fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable dark fantasy."-The Miami Herald
"The Desert Prince is the work of a master at the top of his game. The new cast of would-be heroes instantly draws you into a world full of old dangers as Brett cranks up the tension to unbearable levels. If you're going to read this book, cancel all your plans, because there's no way you'll be able to put it down once you start."-Mike Shackle, author of We Are the Dead
"Peter Brett takes the reader with him and his characters on an electric and unrelenting charge through the demon-haunted depths of the Warded universe, full of love and death."-Naomi Novik, New York Times bestselling author of A Deadly Education
Praise for Peter V. Brett's Demon Cycle
"Fans of epic fantasy in the tradition of Robert Jordan and George R. R. Martin will enjoy the arrival of a strong voice in multivolume epic fantasy."-Library Journal
"The Warded Man works not only as a great adventure novel, but as a reflection on the nature of heroism."-Charlaine Harris, New York Times bestselling author
"The most significant and cinematic fantasy epic since The Lord of the Rings-inspired, compelling, and totally addictive!"-Paul W. S. Anderson, director of Resident Evil: Afterlife
"Peter V. Brett is one of my favorite new authors."-Patrick Rothfuss, New York Times bestselling author of The Name of the Wind
"[Brett is] at the top of his game."-Tordotcom
"[A] fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable dark fantasy."-The Miami Herald
Readers Top Reviews
MessyalienMax k D
I knew the minute I found this book that it would not disappoint. If you read the originals, you know that being in this world again is beyond thrilling. New and old characters fuel this new storyline into an amazing adventure. The cultures are rich with imagery and depth. They have fascinating histories and rituals that truly feel like characters themselves. I can’t wait to read more. This is truly in my top 5 reads. Can’t stress how highly I recommend this series. You will not be disappointed.
BenscotticusMessy
Just like his previous books, this author KNOWS how to get you in. It picks up right where you want it (if you read the first series) and keeps you reading. You could probably pick this up if you haven't read the prequels but, you'd be doing yourself a disservice.
Kat H.Benscotticu
The return to Thesa , Desert Spear and New Krasia is everything I hoped for, and more! The story of Olive, Darin, Selen, and the rest is fast-paced and rich. Good read for fans of the original series and new readers alike!
lorshadKat H.Bens
This was an excellent read. Filled with intrigue, action and great character development. The different viewpoints were well done. Though I did expect more out of Darin.
Lady J lorshadKat
I was worried that this was gonna go the way of Cinda Chima Williams demon king sequels. But I’m happy that it didn’t. I felt like this book was more about Olive than Darin so it’s 5 stars for bringing Olive into focus and here’s to hoping that Darin comes into his own in the next book. Overall this book is a great start to introduce us to the children of the characters that we loved and missed!
Short Excerpt Teaser
1
I Am Olive
My head jerks as Micha pulls a lock taut while she sections and plaits my long black hair. I'm used to it. I can't remember a time I wasn't being yanked around to meet expectations.
"Hold still," Grandmum Elona snaps, putting another dusting on the brush. "Almost powdered your eyeball."
"What's the point of painting my face," I grumble, "when I have to go dressed in a canvas tarp?"
Elona laughs. "There's always time for the powder kit." I know she means it. I've never seen Grandmum looking anything less than perfectly put together. She finishes my eyes and gets to work on my lashes. "You're princess of Hollow. Might have to put on the same potato sack as the other apprentices, but those girls look up to you. Can't settle for being anything less than the prettiest one in the room."
"Mistress Darsy is going to give a test today in Herb Lore," I say. "I need time to compare notes with Selen."
"Tsst!" Micha hisses her disapproval. "You should have thought of that last night, sister."
Micha and I share a father, Ahmann Jardir, who sits atop the throne of Krasia, the vast and powerful empire to the south. Thesa and Krasia were at war before I was born. Some folk say they would be still, if not for me. Mother says that's nonsense, but not so much that she'll let me visit Father's court. Most of what I know about my people I learned from Micha and my instructors in school.
Micha was raised in Krasia, evidenced by the modest black robes covering everything save her hands and face. She, too, has powdered her cheeks and painted her lips, though the only ones who will see it are the people in this room and Micha's wife, Kendall. Micha is beautiful by anyone's standards, but when she leaves the privacy of my chambers, she will drape a white marriage veil over the lower half of her face.
With more than thirty summers, Micha is twice my age, and has always been more nanny than sister. The duchess always makes time if I want to see her, but her attendants and counselors hover, and I'm left feeling like I'm holding up some urgent decision. Micha is the one who does my hair, scrubs my back, and escorts me everywhere. I love her and she loves me, but I am still a child to her, and her rules can be smothering.
"That good-for-nothing daughter of mine ent gonna be much help with your test, anyway," Grandmum says. "Selen's as bright as she is pretty, and that ent a lot. Besides, you're the duchess' daughter. Who cares about some herb gathering test?"
"The duchess," I say. "If I get a single answer wrong . . . night, even if I get one right but not right enough, I'll never hear the end of it."
Grandmum chuckles. "Ay, that sounds like my Leesha. Still think you should be more worried about the practice ring than Herb Lore. Only just stopped powdering that bruise on your cheek."
"Selen threw a lucky punch." It's the truth, if not the whole truth. Selen throws a lot of lucky punches. She's Captain Wonda's prized student. "It was gone overnight."
"Still had a shadow in the morning." Grandmum isn't one to give in, even when she's wrong. "And that ent the point. Got guards everywhere. What do you need to be scrapping in the yard for?"
"Sharusahk is more fun than Herb Lore," I say. "At least I'm good at fighting."
"Known a lot of folks that were good at fighting over the years," Grandmum says. "Funny how few of them are still around to keep the rest of us company."
"A princess is always a target for her family's enemies," Micha cuts in. "Someday the guards may not be with her, and Olive will be glad to know how to defend herself."
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. What does Nanny Micha know of fighting? I've never seen her so much as step on a bug. She doesn't even eat meat. "You're a princess, too. Why don't you have to fight?"
"The Kaji tribe has many princesses," Micha says. "If something happens to me, there are dozens to take my place. Hollow has only you to succeed your mother."
There is no sadness in her tone-she could be talking about the weather. Still, the words settle heavy on my shoulders. Micha's mother was low in the pecking order of Father's many wives. Micha wasn't much older than me when she was sent from the famed summer palaces of Krasia to live in cold, rainy Thesa among people once her enemy, playing nursemaid to her littlest sister.
Does she resent her exile? I certainly would, but Micha has never so much as hinted dissatisfaction with her life. She's happier in Hollow than I am.
"Finished," Micha pronounces.
"And here." Elona gives a last swipe of red to my lips. "Pucker."
I press my lips toge...
I Am Olive
My head jerks as Micha pulls a lock taut while she sections and plaits my long black hair. I'm used to it. I can't remember a time I wasn't being yanked around to meet expectations.
"Hold still," Grandmum Elona snaps, putting another dusting on the brush. "Almost powdered your eyeball."
"What's the point of painting my face," I grumble, "when I have to go dressed in a canvas tarp?"
Elona laughs. "There's always time for the powder kit." I know she means it. I've never seen Grandmum looking anything less than perfectly put together. She finishes my eyes and gets to work on my lashes. "You're princess of Hollow. Might have to put on the same potato sack as the other apprentices, but those girls look up to you. Can't settle for being anything less than the prettiest one in the room."
"Mistress Darsy is going to give a test today in Herb Lore," I say. "I need time to compare notes with Selen."
"Tsst!" Micha hisses her disapproval. "You should have thought of that last night, sister."
Micha and I share a father, Ahmann Jardir, who sits atop the throne of Krasia, the vast and powerful empire to the south. Thesa and Krasia were at war before I was born. Some folk say they would be still, if not for me. Mother says that's nonsense, but not so much that she'll let me visit Father's court. Most of what I know about my people I learned from Micha and my instructors in school.
Micha was raised in Krasia, evidenced by the modest black robes covering everything save her hands and face. She, too, has powdered her cheeks and painted her lips, though the only ones who will see it are the people in this room and Micha's wife, Kendall. Micha is beautiful by anyone's standards, but when she leaves the privacy of my chambers, she will drape a white marriage veil over the lower half of her face.
With more than thirty summers, Micha is twice my age, and has always been more nanny than sister. The duchess always makes time if I want to see her, but her attendants and counselors hover, and I'm left feeling like I'm holding up some urgent decision. Micha is the one who does my hair, scrubs my back, and escorts me everywhere. I love her and she loves me, but I am still a child to her, and her rules can be smothering.
"That good-for-nothing daughter of mine ent gonna be much help with your test, anyway," Grandmum says. "Selen's as bright as she is pretty, and that ent a lot. Besides, you're the duchess' daughter. Who cares about some herb gathering test?"
"The duchess," I say. "If I get a single answer wrong . . . night, even if I get one right but not right enough, I'll never hear the end of it."
Grandmum chuckles. "Ay, that sounds like my Leesha. Still think you should be more worried about the practice ring than Herb Lore. Only just stopped powdering that bruise on your cheek."
"Selen threw a lucky punch." It's the truth, if not the whole truth. Selen throws a lot of lucky punches. She's Captain Wonda's prized student. "It was gone overnight."
"Still had a shadow in the morning." Grandmum isn't one to give in, even when she's wrong. "And that ent the point. Got guards everywhere. What do you need to be scrapping in the yard for?"
"Sharusahk is more fun than Herb Lore," I say. "At least I'm good at fighting."
"Known a lot of folks that were good at fighting over the years," Grandmum says. "Funny how few of them are still around to keep the rest of us company."
"A princess is always a target for her family's enemies," Micha cuts in. "Someday the guards may not be with her, and Olive will be glad to know how to defend herself."
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. What does Nanny Micha know of fighting? I've never seen her so much as step on a bug. She doesn't even eat meat. "You're a princess, too. Why don't you have to fight?"
"The Kaji tribe has many princesses," Micha says. "If something happens to me, there are dozens to take my place. Hollow has only you to succeed your mother."
There is no sadness in her tone-she could be talking about the weather. Still, the words settle heavy on my shoulders. Micha's mother was low in the pecking order of Father's many wives. Micha wasn't much older than me when she was sent from the famed summer palaces of Krasia to live in cold, rainy Thesa among people once her enemy, playing nursemaid to her littlest sister.
Does she resent her exile? I certainly would, but Micha has never so much as hinted dissatisfaction with her life. She's happier in Hollow than I am.
"Finished," Micha pronounces.
"And here." Elona gives a last swipe of red to my lips. "Pucker."
I press my lips toge...
