The Dark Thorn Series: Annwn Cycle #1 Published by Grim Oak Press on October 7, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / General, FICTION / Fantasy / Urban
Pages: 496
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Goodreads
"The Dark Thorn is one exciting book. From start to finish, there are
strong characters, dangers lurking around every corner and cliffhangers
that will leave you breathless. A fine tale by a talented writer." --
Terry BrooksBeneath the streets of Seattle, a long-forgotten war is about to be renewed...
Richard
McAllister, a spiritually destitute homeless man and Knight of the Yn
Saith, protects one of seven portals linking his world to that of Annwn,
where the fey Tuatha de Dannan of antiquity have been relegated by a
long-running religious war.Unknown to Richard though, powerful
forces are aligning against him and all he stands to keep safe. In the
wilds of a discarded world, Philip Plantagenet, son of Henry II, moves
to claim a birthright nine centuries in the making, one that drives him
to eliminate the Tuatha de Dannan--at any cost to both worlds.In
the halls of Vatican City, Cardinal Vicar Cormac Pell O'Connor schemes
to control the Heliwr--the Unfettered Knight--one who possesses the great
power known as the Dark Thorn.The three men are on a collision course with history--and their futures.
For in the wilds of Annwn, death comes as easily as magic.
Haunted
by a past he can't forget and a knightly responsibility he can't shun,
Richard is drawn into levels of machinations--and two worlds--far darker
than any he has prepared for.
Review:
The Dark Thorn is an urban fantasy story with a profound basis in Arthurian legend, Celtic mythology, and the Catholic church. High-paced and brimful of suspense, The Dark Thorn is a story-driven novel of the best caliber. The many fights and battles bring a reader to intriguing locations, from the streets of Seattle to the mountains of a well-designed fictional world and from mystical forests to the catacombs beneath the Vatican in Rome. Throughout the many enthralling battle scenes, The Dark Thorn successfully combines conventions of the epic and urban genres with original and creative innovations. The Dark Thorn is a book that, once you start reading, you will not want to put down. The descriptions Shawn gives make you feel like you are with the characters in the book. I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, Arthurian legend, or Celtic mythology. If you like Terry Brooks, you will like this book.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
About Shawn Speakman
Shawn Speakman grew up in the beautiful wilds of Washington State near Mt. St. Helens. After moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, he befriended New York Times bestselling fantasy author Terry Brooks and became his webmaster. It has led to a life filled with magic and words.
He was a manager at one of the largest Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the country for many years but now owns the online bookstore The Signed Page, manages the websites for authors Terry Brooks and Naomi Novik, and freelance writes for Random House at Suvudu.com.
Shawn currently lives in Seattle, Washington.
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