Knight Awakened

Callahan (the Dragonfury series) opens a seven-book series with a prophesy that “out of the ashes seven warriors shall rise.” In 1331 Transylvania, the evil Vladimir Barbu hires ex-assassin Xavian Ramir to get rid of Afina Lazar, protector of the Amulet of Orm. The amulet is part of an ancient ritual that would crown Barbu the Lord of Transylvania. Xavian needs Barbu’s money to support his mountain holding, where he protects those who escape servitude, as he did when he could no longer stomach conscription into the Al Pacii death squadron. However, after seeing Afina’s courageousness in battle and her protectiveness as a mother, Xavian decides to “liberate” her as well. Their intimacy awakens Afina’s magic and their link allows them to fight the darkness slowly killing the land. Callahan deftly weaves a fresh tale of good versus evil, gathering a unique fighting force, including some were-dragons, that will keep fans eager for the upcoming sequels. (Dec.)