McDonald-Isom

 
Sickness runs rampant in Pazard'zhik, capital city of Trakya, and healers are powerless to stop it.

Grendel has done his job for Marcus Marchenkov, perhaps too well.  He finds himself alone on the road east with Aleksandra Madasgorski-Krakova, surrounded by dangerous strangers who won't think twice about killing her or him.  He must walk a precarious path where a single wrong move could be his last.

With Marko Madasgorski in control of the caravan, Jasper Thredd can no longer hide behind his guise as a simple cook.  Fearing he, too, has contracted the deadly sickness, Jasper seeks help from Trakya's White Circle.  However, enemies appear at every turn, and Jasper soon finds himself hunted through the streets of Pazard'zhik.  Desperate, he seeks the aid of his few remaining friends in the city, putting into motion a plan of last resort — a plan that could get them all killed.

It’s a race against time as Xandor, Jasper, Chert, and Grendel chase the poison-laden caravan all the way to the White River and Bregu Kraagor, a crafty orc chieftain who controls the city of Chernigov.  Hope — as fleeting as it is — comes in the form of a small band of relic hunters from Michurinsk, but they, too, are trapped within the territory of the orc horde.

Can the team of investigators save them and find the cure?

This Second Edition of City of Cayn is newly re-edited and reformatted for improved readability and story clarity.

 
Music Inspiration

Jason, what song makes you think of City of Cayn?

"I was so looking forward to this question with this next book. There’s a scene in my head where Jasper, my rotund mage, walks down a busy street wearing a disguise. In the background is the outer wall of the palace compound and the first chords of the song strike up. Tears come to my eyes every time. The song has to be “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” by Aerosmith.

I remember this scene, and once again, YES. This is THE PERFECT song for that scene!" Read the entire blog here."
West of Mars Spotlight

Praise

"Every so often a sequel comes along as good as the original."  Jimbo's Awesome SF/F Reviews - Read the entire review here.

"I enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to reading the concluding volume of this trilogy, Blood of Cayn, due out soon."  Gary David Gillen Reviews - Read the entire review here.

"In all honesty I bought this because I'm a friend of one of the authors, so I might be a bit biased. But it's actually a good book. The first one introduces the main characters too fast, but once past that, it's absorbing reading, a really good job of world building. Somewhat reminiscent of some of David Eddings' works, but not as padded."  Amazon review

"I think they've got a real future at this, if this series is any indication. Well worth reading!"  Amazon review

"This second segment of the Cayn saga picks up where the first left off. Though there was some time between the two, the story picked up where it left off without any feeling of a pause. The twists and turns of the fascinating plot kept me guessing what would be next.  This story of good, evil, magic, intrigue, and perseverance resonates in many ways with the present “political” landscape though the present doesn’t have as many sharp edged weapons involved…or magic either for that matter. In any case it’s an excellent read and well worth the time."  Amazon review

"These new writers are growing in all kinds of great ways. The second book in this series is better than the first (and I liked that one a lot). I like how we are being allowed to unravel the threads to find out where the story is going. It was very frustrating when I reached the end of the book. *sigh* No amount of cajoling could get my computer to cough up more pages in the story. Some people have wondered about how well three authors can work on a single story? The answer is very well. I like the subtle shift in style, in different parts of the story. It's nothing jarring or anything you can put your finger on. It's a very natural thing as the POV shifts. Very nicely done. Now to wait for the next book."  Amazon review

"The second installment in the series picks up where it should. No crazy jumps like some authors do. More good development, well worth the read. I can't wait to see what they do to wrap it all up in the third book."  Amazon review

 
War looms on the horizon, and time is running out to save the people of Parlatheas from both a deadly plague and the forces of chaos.

Chernigov — once a shining hub of prosperity joining two nations, now a dark, smoke-shrouded hive of dangerous humanoids ruled by the ruthless hand of Bregu Kraagor — harbors a deadly secret.  Somewhere in its depths, the villainous knight, Marko Madasgorski, and the body snatching mage, Gregori, have hidden a cache of plague-ridden soap that could spell the doom of the kingdoms of Parlatheas.

After battling their way across half the continent, Grendel, Jasper, Xandor, and Chert have followed their quarry into the orc city in a desperate attempt to save the city of Pazard’zhik and everything they hold dear.  Meanwhile, across the White River, Yana and Sehraine have joined forces with the Iron Tower in the hope of effecting a rescue for their friends.

With only the dubious guidance of the disgraced Baroness Alexandra “Sacha” Madasgorski, the adventurers must plunge into the depths to find the plague’s cure and stop Marko and Gregori before it’s too late.  But the dark god, Sutekh, doesn’t give up his pawns easily.  While Sacha sets her own plans into motion, the sentient Veritas autem Sutekh whispers dark promises to Jasper, teasing him with hints of the answers they need and the promise of power – if he will swear his soul to Sutekh.

Will they find the cure?  Can they escape the bowels of Chernigov to save their world?  Find out in this thrilling conclusion to the Cayn Trilogy!

This Second Edition of Blood of Cayn is newly re-edited and reformatted for improved readability and story clarity.

 
Music Inspiration

Jason, what song makes you guys think of your book?

Face Everything And Rise – Papa Roach. We chose the song Face Everything and Rise because it resonated with our book. Specifically, and Papa Roach did this with the title of their album, the definition of the acronym F.E.A.R is Face Everything and Rise. It can also be Forget Everything and Run (expletive optional). Grendel, Xandor, Chert, Jasper, Yana, and Sehraine did not do that. They faced their fears and rose above them." Read the entire blog here."
West of Mars Spotlight

Praise

"A thoroughly enjoyable conclusion to a solid fantasy trilogy. The characters, plot and world continue to grow in each book. The depth of this world is enjoyable, the plot lines multiply and the characters are becoming well known to us, the readers. Jump in and enjoy a new fantasy world."  Jonathan Minion Bolder

"This third installment of the Cayn series tops them all. With multiple story lines weaving a complicated web through the tale the reader is enveloped by the story. Every time you think it’s finally resolved another twist leads to yet more intrigue, adventure, and action. As one moves through the story it’s clear that there is a cost to winning as well as loosing be the fight against a magical mage or just a really big and tough evil orc. A great conclusion to this wonderfully crafted saga."  Sundown

"The Cayn trilogy combined fantasy, mystery, and military action well. I liked all the heroes and despised the villains. The action never lets up."  Gary David Gillen Reviews - Read the entire review here.