THE COMMUNE’S CURSE is a fantasy trilogy set in the Kingdom of Septima, ruled by an authoritarian government and a failing monarchy.
THE CRUEL GOD’S AWAKENING (THE COMMUNE’S CURSE: BOOK 1), is re-releasing 15th December (previously titled AWAKENING).
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In The Cruel God’s Awakening, we follow Evelyn, Raif, Hector and Commander Sulemon as they navigate their way through Septima, which is ruled in all but name by a powerful, cult-like organisation known as The Commune.
The leader of the Commune, the Grand Magister, sends his soldiers to hunt down children born with powers, having convinced the King, nobles and many of the commoners that, left to their own devices, they would wreak havoc and cause another devastating uprising (the likes of which was last seen 110 years ago). The truth, of course, is not so simple. The Grand Magister is a man driven by greed, wanting only to increase his own powers—no matter the cost.
18-year-old Evelyn is drawn into the plight of 14-year-old Raif and his 6-year-old sister Rose—and her dog, Dog—whose home village is destroyed by soldiers of the Commune. Though she is haunted by a traumatic event in her past, Evelyn does all she can to help them find answers, even as her mind is consumed by ever-increasing anxiety, self-doubt and mistrust.
In the city of Castleton, the three discover a group called Veritas, actively fighting against the Commune—though, of late, their strength has waned and they have taken to hiding themselves in their camp in the depths of the Crystal Mountains. They become friends with Veritas member Hector and his cat companion, Cara, as they try to settle into the ways of the camp and allow themselves to feel safe and protected.
All the while, Commander Jonah Sulemon hunts the “dangerous” children and the traitorous Veritas members under the orders of his former lover, Lord Torrant—an agent of the Commune. A Nomarran immigrant, he witnessed the devastation wrought by the powers in his own homeland and will do all he can to prevent any possessing them from roaming free. He wants only to fight for what’s right, though it becomes increasingly evident that “right” and “wrong” are not so clearly defined as he once believed.
Their paths become intertwined and their loyalties questioned as each comes to terms with the reality of the powers so coveted by the Commune—and the impact they will have on their decisions and, ultimately, their lives.
Reviews for Awakening (previous title)
By A.M. Portman
Lucy A. McLaren 