Books
The Plight of a People is a three-part epic of one people's continued journey to survive in an ancient world lush with catastrophe.
In Part I, the story follows the disgraced general Solinus as he attempts to regain his reputation and protect his countrymen from a hostile group of religious zealots. Part II follows Emperor Aethon as his attempts to maintain power unleashes a maelstrom of tragedy upon him. Lastly, Part III surrounds King Eulasus as he picks an impossible fight to free his people.
Each part is intertwined with the others to craft one story about not just the struggles of the individual, but also the people’s struggle and the relationship between the ruler and the ruled. The continual exploration of this world and the gradual advancement of humanity within it serve as merely the first of challenges for the people living in a delicate world order just waiting to implode all around them.
From J. W. Barlament (that'd be me) comes an intricate tale of power, warfare and torment. Continuing the saga set up by its predecessor, it presents three more riveting stories of uninhibited hardship.
In Part I, the immortal philosopher Rahdain is thrust into a life of turmoil as he attempts to prevent a cataclysmic war. In Part II, the struggling king Hallmund faces down rebels, zealots, invaders, and inner demons alike in a maelstrom of misery. Finally, in Part III, the simple villager Reolus strives to save his family from both a bloodthirsty murderer and the unending menace of nature.
The Agony of an Age is a fantasy epic filled to the brim with political intrigue, pressing issues and personal perseverance. It harkens back to an era of mythic beasts and inhuman masters, never letting itself dawdle into mundanity. And, at the same time, it stays focused on the tribulations of the human spirit that drives and unites us all.
Mortal against immortal. Philosopher against emperor. Man against god.
Valenthia, queen of the city-state of Rauheim, is readying her forces. Vaersius, emperor of the vast Halaeric Empire, is hellbent on conquest, and he sees her city as ripe for the taking. His father, the great god Halaeron, seeks to see the whole world worshipping him. His mentor, the old philosopher Rahdain, seeks to see all people live in peace. Only one vision may prevail. None of them are about to back down.
From J. W. Barlament (shockingly enough) comes the magnum opus of his adolescence; both a sturdy standalone and an effective follow-up to his earlier works. The Ruin of a Ruler explores problems of politics, philosophy, and religion through three grandiose stories about one fantastical world tearing itself to shreds.