Sword of the Archon

Book excerpt: "My Year's Best list just had a new book jump to the top. D.P. Prior's book is that good. He has a lot to say, and one hell of a story to tell." -- Journal of Always Reviews"... a dynamic work of genre bending scifi, fantasy and horror that immediately brings to mind Stephen King's seminal work: The Gunslinger, with its post-apocalyptic world, mysterious ruins of an advanced civilization, its mystical elements, and a main character in Shader who is just as gruff, haunted, and jaded as Roland Deschain." -- Bookwraiths Reviews"Several of the characters and the overall style of writing remind me of Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy. If you liked Abercrombie's trilogy I think you'll like this." -- Ray Nicholson (Amazon Top 1000 reviewer)"This book was just plain fabulous, well crafted characters presented in a well crafted story, that blends genres flawlessly. A tale written for adults who appreciate good writing." -- Timothy Cummings (Goodreads reviewer)"... an example of the type of deep, complex, but fast-paced fantasy that I crave." -- B. Throwsnaill"The story is woven in a complex arc that unwraps itself layer by layer to grant you a fuller understanding of who the characters are and what has happened to the world." -- Indie Book Blog"Shader is the perfect blend of religious justice and secular wisdom. A wonderful new character in epic fantasy. A must read." -- Urban Fanta-Seer"Shader's tale of redemption and Cadman's ambitious villainy becomes incredibly engaging as plots unfold. Combine this with Prior's exceptional writing skills, editing, characters and world building and you have a series unlike anything in the genre today." -- Media Man (Vine Voice)Deacon Shader is a man of contradictions. Trained for holiness, he is also the deadliest warrior of his generation.When plague strikes at the heart of the city of Sarum and the Abbey of Pardes is attacked by an army of undead, Shader is thrust into the forefront of an ages-old conflict.After being hidden for millennia, the scattered pieces of the artifact that doomed the old world have resurfaced, and an ancient enemy comes to claim them.Armies clash, dark magic is unleashed, and devastating science threatens to unmake the whole of creation.These are the times of the Unweaving that Shader has been prepared for since a child; and these are the days that will test his faith to the limits.