A Curse of Kings
The Trials of Oland Born
by Alex Barclay
HarperCollins UK, Children's
Children's Books
Pub Date
Description
UK AND EUROPEAN REVIEWERS ONLY FOR THIS TITLE PLEASE
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.
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.
Advance Praise
‘Fiercely imaginative, with razor-sharp twists and a plot that moves so fast it ignites’ – Derek Landy, author of Skulduggery Pleasant
‘Fiercely imaginative, with razor-sharp twists and a plot that moves so fast it ignites’ – Derek Landy, author of Skulduggery Pleasant
Marketing Plan
• A major new voice in children’s fantasy adventure.
• Join Oland Born, our engaging hero, as he sets out on a thrilling epic quest to fulfill his destiny and restore his family to their usurped throne.
• From forests to deserts, castles to arenas, and packed with monsters and the challenges every child loves to read about, CURSE OF KINGS is perfect for any child, boy or girl, who is interested in the world of fantasy and with The Hobbit about to hit the screens, this is sure to be a winner.
• Join Oland Born, our engaging hero, as he sets out on a thrilling epic quest to fulfill his destiny and restore his family to their usurped throne.
• From forests to deserts, castles to arenas, and packed with monsters and the challenges every child loves to read about, CURSE OF KINGS is perfect for any child, boy or girl, who is interested in the world of fantasy and with The Hobbit about to hit the screens, this is sure to be a winner.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780007335756 |
| PRICE | £12.99 (GBP) |
Links
Available on NetGalley
| (PDF) |
| (PDF) |




