The Queen of the Mountain is, as I have posted previously, a fantasy novel. I have tried, however, to avoid most of the clichés associated with that genre. The setting is inspired by the Napoleonic periods rather than the usual medieval Europe. Yes, my characters use swords, but they also fire muskets. There is magick as well, but a very different kind. No spells, wands or other artefact. This magick is of a more elemental nature.
Going by my previous work strong women are a bit of a staple in my writing. I have a preference for them. Mildryth did not run to Coenred to hide behind him when the going got tough in the Sorrow Song Trilogy, she fought her own battles. I would like to think that her strength of character is one of her attractions for Coenred. Grace Fielding has only one leg and one arm, but she proved more than able of dealing with an entire government ministry in Eugenica. As for Mesozoic, well all the main female characters displayed various strengths in several different situations. I could not see how else the majority of them would have survived dinosaurs, a murderer, and a traitor! In many respects The Queen of the Mountain Kingdom is no different.
The Kingdom of Oroson is a patriarchy, just like much of the Napoleonic society was. Women are oppressed. Young Princess Saran, the last of her dynasty, is very much aware of the restrictions placed on her sex. All she has is a rank, which brings little in the way of authority, and a determination to continue her father’s legacy even as he lies on his deathbed. Her closest friend, Madam Julen Tutami, is unique in that she is a rich and independent widow, but her independence is at risk when the new king takes the throne. Together, they have to find a way of making Saran the first Queen of the Mountain Kingdom despite 500 years of male domination a church that decrees it holy law that a woman cannot hold a position of authority over a man.
Not that this is Princess Saran’s only challenge. The Old People, the original settlers of the Holy Mountain of Oroson some 5,000 years ago, are returning to the world and they want their kingdom back. Something has changed with them. They are using their magick to drive the New People, Princess Saran’s people, from Oroson. They have let loose a murdering monster to terrify the populace and are working more nefarious schemes to achieve their goal of returning to be the rulers of the Mountain Kingdom once more.
The Queen of the Mountain Kingdom is an epic fantasy. One of the longest books that I have written to date. It was tremendous fun to create. I believe that it will also be tremendous fun to read. With that in mind it is now time for the special announcement I mentioned earlier.
From Friday until Sunday only The Queen of the Mountain Kingdom will be FREE to download from Amazon!
Get your weekend off to a good start. Download The Queen of the Mountain Kingdom onto your Kindle and let me take you to another world where warrior priestesses fight, adventurers dare, soldiers battle, sorceresses enact world changing magick, and readers get to live another life!
Peter C Whitaker 