Vanguardian

A Speculative Journey of Power, Politics, and Legacy: A war refugee and her supernaturally gifted son find shelter in the kingdom of Monde, where a marshal's protection leads to dangerous political consequences.The empire of Monde is the envy of its neighbors. While fleeing her war-threatened home, Nasrin finds refuge in Monde, where a fateful encounter with a mysterious being leaves her pregnant. Stranded in a foreign land, she must raise her son, Lucian, in seclusion. But as Lucian grows, he begins to manifest strange, terrifying powers that will change the fate of the empire.When Fabien de Vistré, Marshal of Monde, captures Nasrin, duty demands he punish her. Instead, he shields her and her child, threatening his standing with the king. The marshal knows his duty: serve His Majesty and enforce the law. Yet his preoccupation with Nasrin drags him into dangerous defiance.Lucian's gifts cannot remain hidden. As he grows, he defies his mother's warnings, drawing the attention of rival kings. When he reaches manhood, his powers shift. Something beyond himself begins to guide his path. And after a long-buried secret surfaces, the empire that once offered refuge may become a battlefield.Editorial Reviews"e;A beauty of noble heritage... a powerful duke with hidden motives... beings from another world... danger and intrigue. I picked up this book and could not put it down. Vanguardian is an astounding achievement."e; — Michael McConnell, editor of NYT bestsellers, including Homesick for Another World and Eileen, winner of the Man Booker Prize"e;The writing has a dramatic, old-world feel, especially in the way it handles estates, soldiers, rank, gossip, and public reputation. The prose lingers on appearances and formal gestures, but I came to see that as part of the book's texture. This isn't a minimalist story."e; — Thomas Anderson, Literary Titan