Forge Of Darkness: Steven Erikson

Book I of The Kharkanas. In the Age of Darkness, the realm is called Kuruld Galain - home of the Tiste Andii and ruled over by Mother Dark from her citadel in Kharkanas - and it's in a perilous state. The commoners' great warrior hero, Vatha Urasander is being championed by his followers to take Mother Dark's hand in marriage but her Consort, Lord Draconus, stands in the way. As the impending clash between two rival powers draws closer and rumours of civil war flare, so an ancient power emerges from the seas once thought to be long dead. None can fathom its purpose or comprehend its potential. Caught in the middle of the coming conflagration are the First Sons of Darkness - Anomander, Andarist and Silchas Ruin - and they are about to reshape the world. Cover art by Steve Stone.