Threat

 "A Journey Without Departure" is the traditional term for a telepathic sending. It is a talent few can perform yet this is the strategy the City of the Magicians—non-violent pacifists, without army or weapons—hopes will mitigate the barbarian invasion coming in six months. The plan could work, but then maybe not. Sas, the young man chosen to "educate the barbarian," can only think, Me? Sendings? They've made a mistake!

 Lalya, a City librarian searching for her dead lover's vanished manuscript, is ensnared by a secret society planning to collaborate with the same barbarians. Attempts to extricate herself from the blackmail, double-dealing, seduction and betrayal force her to realize her final treachery could very well destroy her.

Shoan, the Council strategist, is fully aware a shadowy opposition lurks behind the scenes but is stymied how to lure it out into the open. He should remember one of the basic axioms of tactics is, "Methodology is seldom prepared for surprises."

Both Sas and Lalya are pawns in the strategies of others... yet it only takes a pawn to change the game.

Threat, the first book in The City of the Magicians series, reveals all the preparations for a barbarian arrival, but when strategies collide, will anyone be ready? Will anyone be safe?

My review...

Being able to write a story creating visible scenes, fantastical pictures, and magical moments is an accomplishment. There are many visible moments here. Layer after layer of plot seems to branch off to magical worlds in Peter Gribble’s book, Threat.

To me, this is a mixture of fantasy and sci-fi genres. There is some particularly good character building in Threat. I enjoyed watching some of the characters unfold. I must say between the fantasy “jargon” and character names, I did have to turn back several times as I lost track.

Overall, in what might seem like a fantasy, there is almost a thriller here. As I said, interwoven plots full of deceit, trickery, and subterfuge. A good read for all fantasy/Sci-Fi fans. 

read an excerpt...

“Choose!”

 Naked and surrounded by cowled, robed figures, Lalya knew there was no choice.

 Choice vanished two years ago after Jumeyat disappeared. She had waited hours for him to show up in Pilgrims Park where they had met a month earlier, but he never came. First-love’s anguish soared to alarm and, once home, she walked her room until her father, Kseyad, demanded from outside her doors, “What are you sickening after?”

 “Nothing.”

 Next morning, she slipped down into the outer City to find out what she could without alerting the gossips. Kseyad would never approve of Jumeyat as her potential companion, for his inability to shore up the Family fortunes.

 Jumeyat lived in a rickety pilgrim’s house north of the Break in the Wall. The lady proprietress admitted she had not seen him for days, and thought his absence odd given his quiet, regular habits and the few belongings still in his room. She was mostly concerned about the unpaid rent for the waning half of the month.

 At different times over following days, Lalya paid additional Calls.

 “Back again? Not seen him. You must’ve been companions,” the landlady insisted.

 
about Peter Gribble...

 Peter Gribble studied art at Sheridan and psychology at U of T. He has written for NUVO and other publications in British Columbia, including gardening columns for two journals for over ten years.

To find out more about Peter’s exciting book series visit www.petergribble.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20904184.Peter_Gribble

Get “The City of Magicians Book Series” on Amazon!

Threat: https://www.amazon.com/Threat-City-Magicians-Book-1-ebook/dp/B08NTQ69Q7/ref=sr_1_2

Within: https://www.amazon.com/Within-Peter-Gribble-ebook/dp/B09RLZP7DV/ref=sr_1_2

Quickening: https://www.amazon.com/Quickening-Peter-Gribble-ebook/dp/B0CZVW2XL3/ref=sr_1_1

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