HEROES ARISE
In a world where justice is achieved through careful customs of vengeance, Gundack pursues love and the preservation of his honor. But can he break the cycle of vengeance? Can he reach into his personal darkness and find the light of reason?
Desert kren are a nomadic people who believe their customs and mythology show them how to be honorable and thrive. Gundack, a trader and leader of the tribe, seeks revenge for the murder of his wife Talla in the prescribed manner of his people. According to kren custom, he must fulfill a vow of decreed vengeance against Tarr, the ruthless mountain kren responsible for Talla’s murder, and complete a pilgrimage to gain the right to marry the fair Eutoebi.
Gundack forms an unlikely alliance with the human Rheemar, who searches for a beloved sister stolen by Tarr. Rheemar’s mysterious past holds many secrets, including knowledge that could lead to the end of Tarr’s attacks on travelers and villagers and allow Gundack to return to his tribe in time for the Day of Marriages. But Rheemar is blinded by loyalties that he won’t reveal and ambitions that reflect a naive understanding of heroism.
As time grows short and some vows are satisfied, circumstances thrust Gundack into escalating tribal tensions. Only then does he realize that he must confront the oldest of kren beliefs: If vengeance swallows the land, Tharda shall bring a white light to give strength to the least of us, and unbelievers will make heroes arise. But can the least worthy prove themselves to be heroes, and the most worthy at least heroic?
Laurel Anne Hill has written a modern parable about timeless ideals: The pursuit of honor and justice, and the right to love and family. In an era when definitions of terrorism and heroism can seem fickle and where honor may be capricious, this debut author gives readers a story of great insight and inspiration.
Heroes Arise received a ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award for 2007 (bronze award, science fiction category) and was a finalist in the young adult category.
Heroes Arise was a finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, young adult and best cover design categories.
Heroes Arise is a story about breaking the cycle of vengeance, about reaching into our personal darkness to find the light of reason.
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Heroes Arise is a modern parable about timeless ideals: The pursuit of honor and justice, and the right to love and family. KOMENAR Publishing; ISBN 978-0-9772081-4-2; Hardcover 210 pages, 10 illustrations; Price $24.95. ISBN 978-0-9772081-5-9; Trade Paper, $15.95, Kindle Edition $5.75. |