Impyrium: Volume 1

"A rare jewel. A new classic in the fantasy genre." —Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series

Henry H. Neff’s new high-stakes middle grade fantasy follows two unlikely allies as they confront a conspiracy that will shake the world of Impyrium to its core.

For over three thousand years, the Faeregine dynasty has ruled Impyrium. But the family’s magic has been fading, and with it their power over the empire. Whether it’s treachery from a rival house, the demon Lirlanders, or rebel forces, many believe the Faeregines are ripe to fall.

Hazel, the youngest member of the royal family, is happy to leave ruling to her sisters so that she can study her magic. But the empress has other plans for her granddaughter, dark and dangerous plans to exploit Hazel’s talents and rekindle the Faeregine mystique. Hob, a commoner from the remote provinces, has been sent to the city to serve the Faeregines—and to spy on them.

One wants to protect the dynasty. The other wants to destroy it. But when Hazel and Hob form an improbable friendship, their bond may save the realm as they know it...or end it for good.

• Unlikely Allies: A young princess who just wants to study her magic and a commoner boy sent to spy on her family must form a dangerous friendship that could save—or shatter—the empire.
• Magic and Sorcery: In a world where the ruling family's power is fading, Hazel Faeregine's grandmother has dark plans to exploit her granddaughter's untapped talents and restore their dynasty.
• Spies and Espionage: Sent from the remote provinces, Hob's mission is to infiltrate the royal city and spy on the Faeregines, but his loyalty is tested when he befriends the princess he's supposed to betray.
• Court Intrigue: With treacherous rival houses and demonic Lirlanders circling, the Faeregine dynasty is on the brink of collapse, and a single conspiracy could bring it all down.