Frostfall — Andreas Christensen

From the author of Exodus and Rift comes an epic fantasy of vast scope, in which compassion and honor clash with deadly schemes and betrayal.  Ever Vigilant. Those are the words of House Frost, rulers of one of the northernmost territories that owe allegiance to the United Kingdom of Aborea. There, Richard Frost of Northguard rules in King Vincent Montcassel's name. The United Kingdom fiercely protects its borders from incursions from the world beyond civilization, both natural and unnatural. In particular, the use, study, and teaching of magic is strictly forbidden, and anyone associated with it faces harsh sentencing. Beyond the Ice Fangs, the mountain range that forms the northern border of the United Kingdom lives the savage Skraelings. Little is known of the Skraelings and their way of life, and few people in the kingdom have ever met one of them. When a Skraeling raid into lands ruled by House Frost proves fatal, it sets in motion a series of events that will change the kingdom– and the world– in ways that no one could have predicted. Meanwhile, to the south, another threat lurks. Something sinister is hiding within the shadows of Caledon, the kingdom's capital, pulling its invisible strings in order to bring chaos and plunge the realm into war. While tragedy befalls the kingdom and its houses, and the mighty vie for power and glory, the only hope for humanity may be a sharp mind and an open heart. Frostfall is the first installment of the Aborean Chronicles, an epic fantasy saga for fans of George R. R. Martin, Robert Jordan, and Elizabeth Moon.