A new age dawns. You must seek the phoenix in the mountains, in the darkness of the earth. There, you must face the shadows and return worthy to be called king.
When 18-year-old Vilden receives a prophecy telling him to travel north to become worthy of ruling his people, he has no choice but to obey. With only a rival warrior and a seer as his companions, Vilden sets out on a journey to become king. But it takes more than milage to make a ruler. Vilden will have to face a dangerous wilderness, foreign hunters, and a life-changing sacrifice before he can fulfill the prophecy—though the outcome may not be exactly what he expects.
Prince Garrin has never wanted the responsibilities of ruling a kingdom. His passions lie in music, adventures, and storytelling—but you can’t travel the world and put your adventures to song when you’re the sole heir to the throne. Besides, his 21st birthday is coming up, which means he will be presented with a princess who has been magically designed specifically for him, and the task of producing a new heir will fall on his shoulders as well. It is in this princess that Garrin finds his salvation. Princesses are supposed to act as court companions and mothers, but Garrin breaks tradition by requesting a few more qualities. A complete knowledge of the kingdom and its history, for one, plus an understanding of court procedures and politics, trade, governance, and foreign affairs—and Garrin’s princess will be the perfect ruler.
The problem is: the princess isn’t interested in running Garrin’s kingdom while he goes off adventuring.
And the king’s advisers, used to the personal power that comes from a weak figure of state, don’t want a ruler who knows how to rule.
Now instead of avoiding responsibilities, Garrin is avoiding assassination attempts and conspiracies to overthrow his family. But with Princess Arya’s help, he might just stand a chance at holding his throne and—maybe—find true love along the way.
I wrote my first poem in first grade...
The words came to me as words come to every child,
tumbled, jumbled, and perfect.
A child doesn’t need meter or metaphor;
the words themselves are magic.
Scribbles, Rhymes, & Lima Beans is a collection of poetry inspired by the moments that make us grow.
