The Highwayman (Book 1 of the Saga of the First King) - Softcover

Salvatore, R. A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0765358700 ISBN 13: 9780765358707

Publisher: Tor Fantasy, 2007

Synopsis

In The Highwayman, New York Times–bestselling author R. A. Salvatore takes his readers back to his signature world of Corona, introducing a fascinating new hero in the Saga of the First King series.

It is God's year 54 in the land of Corona. Goblins and bloodthirsty Powries search out human prey. Two religions struggle fiercely for control. Bran Dynard, a monk of the fledgling religion of Abelle, returns from his mission in a far-off land with a book of mystical knowledge and a beautiful and mysterious new wife. But he soon realizes that the world he left behind has changed, and his dream of spreading the wisdom he learned to his fellow monks is crushed. Forced to hide his wife and his precious book, Bran must decide whom he can trust and where he should now place his faith.

Twenty years later, the situation has grown darker and more desperate. Only the Highwayman travels freely, his sword casting aside both Powrie and soldier. The people need a savior, but is the Highwayman on a mission of mercy...or vengeance?

About this title

Review

R.A. Salvatore's prelude to the Demon Wars Sagas The Highwayman is a stimulating ride into the early history of Corona and the vehicle is the creation a new, Drizzt-rivaling hero. Salvatore spins the tragic tale of an Abellican missionary who returns to Honce from the desert land Behr with wonders from the ancient Jhesta Tu monastery. At his side is his wife, a Jhesta Tu mystic. His dreams of uniting the teachings of the Jhesta Tu and "The Church of Blessed Abelle" are broken against the realities of bigotry and the young Abellican Church's struggle for political favor against the Druid-like Samhaists. But from their doomed union will rise a people's hero--the Highwayman.

This novel is, at its heart, an origin tale and Salvatore takes time to spin his hero's legend. Although the stirring set piece at the novel's launch will let readers know where he's going, discovering how he gets there is a thrill and a pleasure, making this one of Salvatore's most mature and deliberate novels. In the backdrop, fans of the Demon War Sagas will watch the emerging Abellican Church as it grows from virtual cult to the calcified institution of the later books. In all, this is a stimulating addition to the Corona universe. --Jeremy Pugh

From the Publisher

For more than 15 years, fans and critics alike have praised R.A. Salvatore for his stirring battle scenes, inventive story lines, and extraordinary characters. He is best known as the creator of the dark elf, Drizzt, one of the fantasy genre's most beloved characters, as well as the author of 13 NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers, including THE HALFLING'S GEM, SOJOURN and the immensely popular novelization of the latest "Star Wars" film, STAR WARS EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES. As a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling fantasy novelist, R.A. Salvatore has proven himself time and again to be a visionary presence in the science fiction and fantasy genre. R.A. Salvatore continues to forge new paths with the first book in his next series, THE HIGHWAYMAN Book One of the Chronicles of Corona. Equal parts 'Robin Hood' and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' R.A. Salvatore creates an unforgettable character at odds against himself and the world he lives in with THE HIGHWAYMAN.

About this edition

• Publisher: Tor Fantasy
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0765358700
• ISBN 13: 9780765358707
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 432