Book description
In the tone of The Hobbit, comes the first thrilling story in an epic
fantasy adventure, from a major new voice.
Fourteen-year-old Oland Born lives in dark times, in a world ruled by
evil tyrant, Vilius Ren. Vilius and his fearsome, bloodthirsty army have
wrecked the prosperous kingdom of Decresian, once ruled by good King
Micah. Oland himself has been kept as Vilius's servant in grim Castle
Derrington, and he knows little about his past - or why Vilius keeps
such a sharp, close eye on him.
One night, Oland finds a letter addressed to him, from the long-dead
king. No sooner has he read the message than a mysterious stranger tries
to kidnap him. Oland runs, the dead king's warning ringing in his ears…
If Oland is to live he must restore the shattered kingdom. This is his
quest. This is his curse. Let the trials of Oland Born begin. . .
The setting is a hugely atmospheric fantasy world of medieval castles,
Romanesque games arenas, supernatural forests and harsh seas. Terrifying
hybrid creatures and monsters abound - and Oland's greatest ally is a
girl called Delphi who has dark secrets of her own. 'Fiercely
imaginative, with razor-sharp twists and a plot that moves so fast it
ignites' - Derek Landy, author of Skulduggery Pleasant Alex Barclay
has been living with the world of Oland Born inside her head for years;
a world of adventure, mysterious prophecies, secret identities,
fantastical creatures and great heroes who are tested to their limits.
Alex Barclay is the award-winning author of five crime novels for adults.
Curse of Kings is her first novel for children, and the first in The
Trials of Oland Born series.
