A 2018 TEXAS LONE STAR READING LIST PICK!
"A rare jewel. A new classic in the fantasy genre." — Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series
Henry H. Neff’s new high-stakes middle grade fantasy follows two unlikely allies as they confront a conspiracy that will shake the world of Impyrium to its core.
For over three thousand years, the Faeregine dynasty has ruled Impyrium. But the family’s magic has been fading, and with it their power over the empire. Whether it’s treachery from a rival house, the demon Lirlanders, or rebel forces, many believe the Faeregines are ripe to fall.
Hazel, the youngest member of the royal family, is happy to leave ruling to her sisters so that she can study her magic. But the empress has other plans for her granddaughter, dark and dangerous plans to exploit Hazel’s talents and rekindle the Faeregine mystique. Hob, a commoner from the remote provinces, has been sent to the city to serve the Faeregines—and to spy on them.
One wants to protect the dynasty. The other wants to destroy it. But when Hazel and Hob form an improbable friendship, their bond may save the realm as they know it…or end it for good.
An age has passed since the Cataclysm that shook the world. From the ashes rose the Faeregine dynasty, which has ruled Impyrium for over three thousand years. But the family’s magic has been fading, and with it their power over the empire. Now many believe the Faeregines are ripe to fall.
Hazel is the youngest of the royal family, happy to leave ruling to her sisters and study her magic. But the empress has other plans for her granddaughter, dark and dangerous plans to exploit Hazel’s talents and rekindle the Faeregine mystique.
Hob Smythe is a commoner toiling in the empire’s mines. When a mysterious stranger offers him a chance to serve—and spy—in the palace, Hob leaps at the chance to escape his dreary life and fight against a system that oppresses nonmagical humans.
But Hazel and Hob soon find their destinies linked not only with each other but with the fate of Impyrium itself. Their improbable bond will either save the realm or end it for good.
Henry H. Neff delivers a high-stakes fantasy where two unlikely allies confront a conspiracy that’s even bigger and more sinister than they imagine.
"Grade: A. Neff expertly crafts a world that is both stunning in its detail, and impressive in scope...the novel is packed with both story and high stakes as both Hazel and Hob are forced to deal with not just peer rivalry and academic difficulties, but also class disparity, civil unrest, and societal expectations. In this way Neff has created not just a world that not only exists on its own, but one readers will be eager to return to.
