Once We Were Kings

ONCE WE WERE KINGS
(BOOK I OF THE SOJOURNER TRILOGY)

Joshua Graham writing as Ian Alexander

Two kingdoms, five centuries, one destiny

In a world where the Sojourners, a nearly extinct race with preternatural abilities struggle to preserve their faith and heritage, destiny thrusts two youths from opposing nations into the heart of a centuries-old conflict. Render, an orphan from the outskirts of the culturally enlightened Kingdom of Valdshire Tor, escapes slavery and seeks the truth about his true identity only to discover a web of conspiracies. This quest leads to the revelation of his uncanny ability to wield the destructive forces of nature.

Ahndien, sole survivor of a heinous raid on her peaceful village in the Eastern Kingdom of Tian Kuo, embarks on a journey to find her father, now a captive of Torian troops. What she uncovers surpasses anything she can imagine as she masters the ability to manipulate fire.

Guided by shape-shifting spirits, Render and Ahndien's fates collide when first they meet as mortal enemies. However, to save their people from annihilation, they must unite both kingdoms against a terrifying enemy that threatens to destroy both realms. But how can a young slave and a peasant bring sworn enemies of half a millennium together?

ONCE WE WERE KINGS: The first book in a saga of destiny and redemption, in a world of dying hope.

• Winner of the 2012 International Book Award

• Award-Winning Finalist in the SciFi/Fantasy category of The USA "Best Books 2011" Awards

• Award-Winning Finalist in the Young Adult Fiction category of The USA "Best Books 2011" Awards

• Award Winner in the 2011 Forward National Literature Awards in the Teen/Young Adult category

"...an unforgettable journey like no other.
"...amazing imagery, emotion and distinctiveness like none other I had ever read before."
"...truly poetic."
"A true classic in the making." --Cafe of Dreams Book Reviews

"Joshua Graham transitions from suspense to the fantasy as Ian Alexander with flying colors."
"invokes awe in the reader that I've only felt with J.R.R. Tolkien, David Eddings and before them both, C.S. Lewis."
--The Top Shelf


"...right out of the Golden Age of fantasy..."
"...page-turning epic fantasy..."
"...elements of Tolkien..the Belgariad, the 'Adept' trilogy by Piers Anthony, and C.S. Lewis." --Michael Bellomo, Amazon Bestselling Author


"...parallels some of our own socio-political climates, in regards to terrorism, racial and cultural biases, religious biases..."
"...many pleasant surprises..."
"...You won't be disappointed." --Rhodes Review


"...sets new standards for epic fantasy."
"... a true master of the written word."
"...leaves the reader breathless and wanting more.
--Susan Wingate, author of DROWNING and the award-winning BOBBY'S DINER series