The Gods of Men

The Gods of Men

Top 10 Finalist in Mark Lawrence's SPFBO 2018 Sable hated the gods. She hated what men did in their name. Magic is forbidden throughout the Five Provinces; those born with it are hunted and killed. Sable doesn't know her music holds power over souls-not until, at age nine, she plays her flute before the desert court and accidentally stops her baby sister's heart, killing her. Horrified by what she's done and fearing for her life, she flees north, out of Provincial jurisdiction and into the frigid land of exiles and thieves, known as The Wilds. There, Sable lives in hiding, burdened by guilt, and survives as a healer. But now, ten years later, someone-or something-is hunting her. On the run again, Sable's best chance for survival is Jos, a lethal man from the Five Provinces, who claims to need her skills as a healer to save his dying father, and she needs the large sum of money he's offered. There's something about him Sable doesn't trust, but she doesn't have many options. A spirit of the dead is hunting her, summoned by a mysterious necromancer, and it's getting closer. Sable soon discovers she's just the start of the necromancer's plan to take over the Five Provinces, and she's the only one with the power to stop it. But harnessing her forbidden power means revealing it to the world, and the dangerous Provincial, Jos, she's beginning to fall for. Fans of Brandon Sanderson, Naomi Novik, and Victoria Schwab will love this dark and epic fantasy adventure. "This one is not only my favorite SPFBO book so far, it's very likely on the best of 2018 list ..." Kristen, at Superstardrifter Fantasy Blog " The Gods of Men is a solid, engaging story with strong world-building and history, an interesting magic system ... and a magnetic relationship that binds it all together. " Adam, at Fantasy Book Review " I flew through this novel and I just bloody loved it ." Thoughts Stained with Ink "... fantastic world building, exciting characters and plot twists that leave you gob-smacked!" Daryl, at Booknest "The Gods of Men is undoubtedly an indie fantasy gem ..." Petrik, Novel Notions "...a well-told tale with a pair of central characters who grow and change through battles to save themselves, each other, and their wider world." T.O. Munroe, at The Fantasy Hive " What truly makes this novel so good though are the characters ... Kloss really excels at writing characters who are not wholly good or evil ..." The Qwillery " It kept me up late finishing it, which is always a good sign, and ultimately I thoroughly enjoyed it." Kitty G, Booktuber "Kloss' clean prose, brisk pacing and clear structure keep the narrative engrossing from beginning to the end." Lukasz, at Fantasy Book Critic " Excellent writing. Developed and distinct characters. Fast paced and hard to put down." Esme, at The Weatherwax Report " A cracking read that's well worth your time." Emma, at Fantasy Book Review "A beautiful story of two tortured people finding themselves in a dark fantasy world. A must-read for all fans of epic fantasies!" Michelle Lynn at YA Books Central "...an excellent read ." Travis, at Coffee Archives Barbara studied biochemistry at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA, and worked for years as a clinical laboratory scientist. She was lured there by mental images of colorful bubbling liquids in glass beakers. She was deceived. Always an avid reader, especially of fantasy, she began drafting her own stories, writing worlds and characters that were never beyond saving. When she's not writing, she's usually reading, trekking through the wilderness, playing the piano, or gaming--though she doesn't consider herself a gamer. She just happens to like video games. RPGs, specifically. Though now that her kids are getting older, she's finding she has to share her PS4 more than she would like.  She currently lives in northern California with her gorgeous husband, three kids, and pup. Author of the award-winning Gaia's Secret Series, and SPFBO4 finalist, The Gods of Men. Subscribe to her newsletter by clicking the link below:  subscribepage.com/barbarakloss