Wizard of the Winds

Coauthor with Chris Bunch of the popular Anteros series, Cole launches his own trilogy with this rousing fantasy novel set in the land of Esmir, a realm divided by a deadly enchanted border separating demons and humans. Though young Safar is content to learn the trade of a potter, he possesses magical powers and is troubled by visions predicting the arrival of a great king, Protarus, who will one day rule Esmir. When Safar's village offers asylum to Iraj, a prince in hiding, the boys become friends; in time, Safar realizes that Iraj is the future King Protarus, and that he himself will serve as the royal wizard. To learn his craft, Safar journeys to Walaria to attend sorcerer's school. After many adventures, he winds up with a circus of acrobats that travels on a fantastic airship, leading to his reunion with Iraj. Cole stuffs his tale with plenty of bloody, high-spirited battles and believably unpredictable characters. Judging by this novel, as well as by his one solo contribution to the Anteros series, Cole now packs up for good the ""and"" that's dogged his name for the decade and more. (June)