Laura VanArendonk Baugh
I am an award-winning author of fantasy! (I am a returning vendor, just updating booth)
Shard & Shield (Shard of Elan #1)
"He can save her life—if he sacrifices those he swore to protect.
Shianan avoids political danger and disdain by burying himself in his military career, fighting the monstrous Ryuven who raid from another plane. When his friend is trapped with a traitor in the rift between-worlds, Shianan knows she can return home only if he betrays his people to attack.
Now Shianan must commit treachery and treason to save his friend, while an unknown enemy is trying to kill him. Open war looms again, threatening the people he swore to protect—but if Shianan is discovered, he won’t live long enough to die in battle.
Reviews say:
“Shard & Shield is one of the most character-driven fantasy novels I've ever read, and I mean that in the best way.”
“…a gripping fantasy tale and characters that I've come to care for who face complex situations that don't have easy answers. A great read!”
This new epic fantasy series by an award-winning author is recommended for fans of Patrick Rothfuss, Brandon Sanderson, and Brent Weeks."
Blood & Bond (Shard of Elan #2)
"Book Two in the acclaimed The Shard Of Elan series! Shianan Becknam, commander, count, and bastard, has survived committing treason and the murder plot against him. Now that the kingdom is at last protected from marauding Ryuven, the only worth he’s ever had is no longer needed. Trapped in conflicting oaths of allegiance, he’s more a political liability than ever—and less able to court the woman he nearly died to save. But the protective shield, for which Shianan suffered so much, may not be working. The reports of Ryuven raiding the countryside should be impossible within the magical shield.
Mage Ariana Hazelrig is the first to come back from the Ryuven world, but at an unforeseen cost, and she is more determined than ever to end the destructive war between their peoples. When the Ryuven champion Tamaryl reappears in the human realm, she has one chance—and it will brutally hurt those she loves. Their separate paths will twine together once more as inevitable battle closes, to end conflict by bloody victory or desolation. "
Crown & Creed (Shard of Elan #3)
"The prince-heir’s life hangs by a thread, and the last person to see him conscious was the king’s bastard, Shianan Becknam. As rumor grows of Commander Becknam’s possible fratricide, Shianan pushes away Black Mage Ariana Hazelrig, lest her rise be destroyed by connection to him.
Ariana has returned from her abduction to the Ryuven world, bringing an herb which could fight the plague reported through the countryside. Her efforts have resulted in unprecedented negotiations toward peace. But if the prince-heir dies, the tentative truce will fall into blood feud, and Ariana’s new renown cannot help her to save Shianan.
Luca, enslaved once more, is summoned before the queen to answer for Shianan’s crimes. Abandoned by his family, his hope of salvation dims with each passing day."