Assassin's Paradox: Break the Empire

by James Hockley

FBT review:

Discover the captivating world of Godslost in James Hockley's thrilling fantasy novella, Assassin's Paradox: Break the Empire. In a land oppressed by the ruthless Empire, Alidinia, a northern assassin, emerges as a beacon of hope for the North. But his rebellion is met with unexpected challenges as he becomes entangled with the very people he seeks to overthrow.

As secrets unravel and a grand conspiracy unfolds, Alidinia must navigate the treacherous political landscape and uncover the truth hidden in plain sight. In a world where hidden magic lies dormant, the quest for power consumes those who seek it, and Alidinia finds himself playing a role he never imagined.

As you dive into the world of Godslost, prepare for a gripping tale of revenge, redemption, and the enduring spirit of the North. With its meticulous world-building and intricate plot, Assassin's Paradox will transport you to a realm of political intrigue and unexpected alliances. Don't miss out on this thrilling start to the Breaking of Godslost series.

Publisher Description:

Merciless; ruthless; cold. And faints at the sight of blood.
The silence is unbearable; this silence of the north. For generations, the north has railed against oppression, but the Empire has finally smothered its prey. The rules have been re-written.

But there are those who still remember, and in Alidinia, the north has cause for hope. He is destined to avenge his ma and free the North, but maybe not today. Because the problem with rebellion is that it’s more than a one-man job, and right now he is all alone. The silence of the north is absolute.

Finally, an opening. But just as his rebellion moves into view, so he is snared in the grip of the very people he is trying to crush. And yet, from the service of those he would topple, the scale of the game takes shape. Even the stories cannot prepare him for the murky truths lying hidden in plain sight.

The pieces are in place; the play is set; and he has one advantage over his foes: he is of the north. Properly of the north. Against all odds, he is on the cusp of unravelling a great conspiracy, but maybe that is not enough. Even a northman must respect the long game.

ASSASSIN'S PARADOX is the first book in the Breaking of Godslost series, itself the first series set in the world of Godslost. In this first novella, we follow Alidinia – a northern assassin – as he tries to crush the Empire that has brought so much misery to his people. But all does not go to plan, and in his darkest moment, Alidinia finds unlikely salvation in the very people he should have been trying to break. His world is changed.

Everything he thought he knew tumbles away to reveal the truth of Godslost – a world of unconstrained political power, all pointed at the reward that comes from the release of hidden magic. But alarming as this is, what is most concerning is the part he has in this political intrigue – a role he knows nothing about. Until now. Will he succumb to the impossible weight pressing down upon him? Or will he rise up and find a way – the only respectable path for a northman? Only one thing is certain – it will be good fun finding out.

THE WORLD OF GODSLOST

The world of Godslost tells a tale of hidden magic – an ancient gift lost to the wisps of time. But though this gift is lost, it is not gone, and there are those who retain their obsession with lost magic and will stop at nothing to rekindle this long-lost past.

But for most in Godslost, this is little more than nonsense – futile magic confined to children's fairy tales. And yet the fight beneath the surface cannot be concealed forever, and when it erupts, it will devour those unfortunate enough to stand in the way. Eventually, that could be everyone.