The Crowthistle Chronicles
4 primary works
Book 1
Jarred, recently come of age, is leaving the sun-scorched desert village that has always been his home. He sets out with a band of friends to see the mighty and beautiful kingdom of the north and to seek out the truth about his father, who came to the village a stranger and departed when Jarred was ten, never to return.
After the travellers are set upon in a ravine and several of their number sustain injuries, they seek shelter in the Marsh of Slievmordhu – a cool green world of dazzling beauty as different from their homeland as night and day. Here Jarred meets Lilith, and in a single moment he realises that his life can never be the same again. But neither of the young lovers is aware how closely linked their fates – and their past – really are. During a visit to Cathair Rua, the Red City, Jarred stumbles across the secret of the Iron Tree, and with it an unbearable truth about his father's identity...
Praise for the `Bitterbynde’ trilogy:
`Dart-Thornton’s Bitterbynde trilogy – each book and all three together - deserve to win every fantasy award there is’ Tanith Lee
'Hobbit-fanciers will find much to delight them' The Times
Book 2
After Jewel and Eoin have fled from their native Slievmordhu to the kingdom of Narngalis, they encounter many dangerous situations which ultimately leave Eoin in the hands of the deadly unseelie wights. With nowhere else to go Jewel finds refuge amongst the plateau-dwellers at High Darioneth. Teeming with siofra, trows and other eldritch wights their land is under the tight rule of the weathermasters and Storm Lord Avalloc, who have the power to tame and summon the winds . . .
When Jewel learns that the legendary Dome of Strang is no longer guarded, she decides to continue her journey to Orielthir to unravel the mystery of the hidden stronghold and with it the truth about her father's legacy. Her discoveries lead her on further quests, accompanied by a handsome young weathermaster who has secretly fallen in love with Jewel. Together they encounter marvels and misfortunes and discover that the key to all their riddles ultimately lies with the extraordinary Well of Tears . . .
Book 3
On the misty, pine-clad slopes of the western highlands five princes go hunting – but the mountains are perilous and they clash with unexpected foes. To the north, a burrower digs its way through a labyrinth of underground caverns; there is no knowing what it is, how it came there, or where it is going.
The great golden sword Fallowblade is displayed above the mantelshelf on the house of Lord Avalloc Stormbringer. A weapon almost legendary by reputation, it was used in days of yore to destroy the goblin hordes. Asrathiel Stormbringer, powerful weathermage, is learning swordplay so that one day she might wield the magnificent blade, doing justice to this family heirloon . . .
. . . while in the south, a tyrant rages and deceives, and hatches inimical plots. Five princes, an enigmatic burrower, a weathermaster and a fabulous sword – these elements come together to weave the surprising story of WEATHERWITCH.
Book 4
Weapons glitter, men’s voices are raised in battle-song and bright banners crack and flap in a sharp breeze; armies of steel and bronze are marching to war as the ruthless king of the southern realm executes his plan to seize dominion over the Four Kingdoms. With Tir’s most powerful protectors slain by treachery and the defenders scattered, it appears nothing can stand in the tyrant’s way.
Asrathiel, summoner of storms, called 'Weatherwitch' by her wayward, eldritch companion, aids the defenders as best she can, but the invading armies are pushing further north and it seems that all is lost . . . Until a new peril unexpectedly looms; a far more dangerous and deadly menace that threatens not merely the balance of power, but the entire human race . . .
‘Dart-Thornton conjures up her world of Tir in the luminous yet hard-edged manner of Jack Vance and Mary Gentle’ Washington Post