Rise of the Alliance Book One
Published by DAW Books (2019-06-11)
Praise for the Sartorias-deles universe:
“The world creation and characterization within Inda have the complexity and depth and inventiveness that mark a first-rate fantasy novel…. By the time I finished, I was so captured by this book that it lingered for days afterward…that, I think, is the mark of a major work of fiction…you owe it to yourself to read Inda.” —Orson Scott Card, bestselling author of Ender’s Game
“The Inda books are everything you want from a fantasy series—an interesting, fully-developed world with several languages, environments, and cultures that are evocatively described, a complex but not confusing plotline with a number of unexpected twists, really well-written action scenes, and above all characters whose lives you follow and whose fates you care about.” – Diana L. Paxson, bestselling author of Sword of Avalon
“Smith deftly stage-manages the wide-ranging plots with brisk pacing, spare yet complex characterizations and a narrative that balances sweeping action and uneasy intimacy.” —Publishers Weekly
“Sherwood Smith should rank high on any list of military writers.... The cavalry battles, hand-to-hand, strategy sessions, the aftermaths of battles...roll across the page with effortless mastery.” —SF Signal
“Banner of the Damned is a damned good book.... A compelling protagonist with a vivid voice, a master’s control of pacing and tension.” —Tor.com
"A frequently thrilling tale, full of adventure, romance, and magic, a charming mix of everyday details and epic overtones." —Locus
“Readers will be thoroughly transfixed by Inda's adventures…. Sherwood Smith is a great world builder who makes the kingdom, the Venn Empire and the other places Inda travels seem very real. There is plenty of action, but not at the expense of creating believable characters who make for stirring high seas adventures.” —Alternative Worlds