The Justice of Kings, the first in a new epic fantasy trilogy, follows the tale of Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice – a detective, judge and executioner all in one. As he unravels a web of secrets and lies, Vonvalt discovers a plot that might destroy his order once and for all – and bring down the entire Empire.
As an Emperor's Justice, Sir Konrad Vonvalt always has the last word. His duty is to uphold the law of the empire using whatever tools he has at his disposal: whether it's his blade, the arcane secrets passed down from Justice to Justice, or his wealth of knowledge of the laws of the empire. But usually his reputation as one of the most revered—and hated—Justices is enough to get most any job done.
When Vonvalt investigates the murder of a noblewoman, he finds his authority being challenged like never before. As the simple case becomes more complex and convoluted, he begins to pull at the threads that unravel a conspiracy that could see an end to all Justices, and a beginning to lawless chaos across the empire.
"The Justice of Kings is utterly compelling, thoroughly engrossing, and written with such skilful assurance I could barely put it down. The characters feel so real I swear I suffered every horror and hangover alongside them, and their world--though we see just the smallest portion of it here--feels vastly complex, poised on the brink of a disaster I can't wait to watch unfold."--Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld
"A fascinating look at justice, vengeance and the law -- great characters, compelling and wonderfully written. A brilliant debut and fantastic start to the series."--James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost
"Murder mystery meets grimdark political fantasy in this first of a trilogy ... An intriguingly dark deconstruction of a beloved mystery trope."--Kirkus (starred review)
"The world of the Empire of the Wolf is a rich and interesting one ... Readers will enjoy the world building, Sir Konrad and his crew, and the unique touches to a familiar fantasy tale."--Booklist
"The Justice of Kings is equal parts heroic fantasy and murder mystery. Sir Konrad Vonvalt's fierce intellect and arcane powers will make you long to follow in his footsteps, but it's his young clerk, Helena who brings heart and dazzle to the story. Together they're a formidable team, and Richard Swan's sophisticated take on the fantasy genre will leave readers hungry for more."--Sebastien de Castell, author of Spellslinger
"A fantastic debut."--Peter McLean, author of Priest of Bones
"A marvelously detailed world with an engrossing adventure from a unique perspective."--K. S. Villoso, author of The Wolf of Oren-Yaro
"A stunning piece of modern fantasy writing."--RJ Barker, author of The Bone Ships
"Swan crafts a strong, dynamic character in Vonvalt . . . This promises good things from the series to come."--Publishers Weekly
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