Royal Exile

Royal Exile is the first novel in the Valisar trilogy, by Australian fantasy author Fiona McIntosh. It was first published in September 2008 by HarperVoyager Royal Exile follows the story of Leo, a young Valisar Royal whose world is destroyed by the Barbarian, Loethar, as he attempts to win back his throne and rid his land of the evil barbarian horde. The story is continued in A Tyrant's Blood.

Plot introduction

Led by Loethar, an ambitious and ruthless tyrant, a terrifying army of mercenaries and renegades from the great southern steppes threatens to overwhelm the Kingdom of Penraven - the army has already overthrown its two neighbouring realms and left a trail of devastation and broken lives in their wake.

Penraven is Loethar's most desired prize. It has wealth, a safe harbour, an extensive coastline, and abundant natural resources, but the tyrant wants more than this and more than just a crown. Driven by dreams of empire, fuelled by his increasing obsession with magic, Loethar's plan to overthrow King Brennus of Penraven, 8th of the Valisars, was cemented the hour he learned that Brennus possessed the power of coercion.