EXPERIENCE THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM
THE KRILLONIAN CHRONICLES
The Collar and the Cavvarach: a Gripping Story of Slavery and the Struggle for Freedom
Krillonian Chronicles Book 1
Bensin, a teenage slave and martial artist, is desperate to see his little sister freed. But only victory in the Krillonian Empire's most prestigious tournament will allow him to secretly arrange for Ellie's escape. Dangerous people are closing in on her, however, and Bensin is running out of time. With his one hope fading quickly away, how can Bensin save Ellie from a life of slavery and abuse?
REVIEWS
"A fun read ... almost an urban fantasy in another world with strong parallels to ours. (The author) gets us involved in her speculative world and the story is satisfying with many twists."
-David Bergsland, author of Daniel's Mighty Men, radiqx.com
"The moral lessons in this book and the realization that at the foundation of every life, we are equals, makes this a read that should be in every school library in the nation. The book is a clean read and appropriate for kids 12 & up and adults like me who love a book that engages all of our senses with a story of salvation and redemption. If your sons or daughters are involved in the martial arts, this is a 'must read' novel!"
-Peggy McAloon, author of Elle Burton and the Reflective Portals, peggyshope4u.com
"Lima has crafted a remarkable book that gives a scary reality to slavery and a well thought out martial art .... This is a good read, the reader will not be disappointed."
- Stefanie Longwood, Yellow 30 Sci-Fi Review
The Gladiator and the Guard
Krillonian Chronicles Book 2
Bensin, a teenage slave and martial artist, is just one victory away from freedom. But after he is accused of a crime he didn’t commit, he is condemned to the violent life and early death of a gladiator. While his loved ones seek desperately for a way to rescue him, Bensin struggles to stay alive and forge an identity in an environment designed to strip it from him. When he infuriates the authorities with his choices, he knows he is running out of time. Can he stand against the cruelty of the arena system and seize his freedom before that system crushes him?
REVIEWS
"In a world filled with hate and fear, Annie Douglass Lima creates a tale of raw human emotions, unlikely allies and deadly enemies. The lines of good versus evil are clearly marked.... Heart pounding, heartwarming, and heartbreaking in equal measures, this fantasy is a must read."
-Dianne, Tome Tender Book Blog
"The Gladiator and the Guard will keep readers at the edge of their seats. This is a well paced book and picks up steam with each turn of the page. There are a few surprises along the way, so keep your eyes open. Buckle your seatbelts and prepare for a good ride into the fascinating world of the Krillonian Empire."
-Stephanie Longwood, Yellow30 Sci-Fi Review
"If you're a fan of the Gladiator movie, then you'll enjoy the battles, the training, and the jail-like atmosphere of the arena. A good series for middle school boys or anyone who likes martial arts."
-Sherry Torgent, Eight Ten Book Blog
The Student and the Slave
Krillonian Chronicles Book 3
Is this what freedom is supposed to be like? Desperate to provide for himself and his sister Ellie, Bensin searches fruitlessly for work like all the other former slaves in Tarnestra. He needs the money for an even more important purpose, though: to rescue Coach Steene, who sacrificed himself for Bensin’s freedom. When members of two rival street gangs express interest in Bensin’s martial arts skills, he realizes he may have a chance to save his father figure after all … at a cost.
Meanwhile, Steene struggles with his new life of slavery in far-away Neliria. Raymond, his young owner, seizes any opportunity to make his life miserable. But while Steene longs to escape and rejoin Bensin and Ellie, he starts to realize that Raymond needs him too. His choices will affect not only his own future, but that of everyone he cares about. Can he make the right ones … and live with the consequences?
REVIEWS
"I am not always a YA fan, but books like these make me reconsider. Lima is a masterful writer. She tells her stories patiently and thoroughly with just enough emphasis on the darker issues of life while keeping the tone of a light adventure. I have great respect for her as an author."
-E.B. Dawson, author, PhoenixFictionWriters.com
"The book deals brilliantly with the themes of alienation, coming of age, courage, good versus evil, love, heroism, and reunion. You will never look at the issue of slavery the same again. This is a perfect book for middle-grade students and up. The book is a good stand-alone, but I highly recommend you read all the books in the Krillonian Chronicles."
-Peggy McAloon, author of Elle Burton and the Reflective Portals
"At first I wasn't sure I was going to like this book as much as the first two. But as the action unfolded, the suspense grew more and more, and the characters' attempts to make things better were thwarted at every turn. I didn't see how this story could end well! But it was worth it to read to the end and the unexpected resolution. (I did NOT see that coming! Bravo!) A scene where a character is sold into slavery is one of the most masterful examples of tension I've ever read, and a couple of scenes brought tears to my eyes."
-Katy Huth Jones, author of Mercy's Prince
Emperor's Heir
A Krillonian Chronicles Novella
A late winter storm. An unexpectedly icy road. A limousine sliding, flipping, crumpling.
And just like that, Emperor Vandion is left without an heir, and the Krillonian Empire reels in shock and dismay.
Until they announce that there might actually be an anonymous heir out there … if he or she can be found.
REVIEWS
"Lima does a wonderful job of creating a very real world that is a blend of fantasy and dystopia and realism."
-Lia London, author of The Gypsy Pearl
"...a quick, fun, feel-good read and a great introduction to the Krillonian series. Glad to have it in my Lima collection."
-Michelle Isenhoff, author of Recompense
"...the story becomes more and more interesting, and the climax is a fun surprise.... Recommended!"
-Katy Huth Jones, author of Leandra's Enchanted Flute