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We're pleased to reveal the covers to Jane Routley's Chronicles of Dion.

All of these titles can be ordered through indiebooksonline, either individually or as a trilogy set in paperback http://www.indiebooksonline.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=131 or hardcover http://www.indiebooksonline.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=130

Aramaya

The Chronicles of Dion Volume 3

Jane Routley

Winner of the Aurealis Award

In search of her missing niece Dally, Dion arrives in luxurious Akieva, the glorious and corrupt capitol of decadent Aramaya. Here, at the dazzling court of the handsome young emperor, Dion discovers her niece trapped in the web of necromancy and deceit hiding within the magnificent Winter Palace. But Dion's arch enemy lurks at the center of the web, Bedazzer, the ruthless demon who has vowed to possess her-no matter the cost. In the ensuing deadly conflict, Dion must confront the dark secrets of her own heart and the mighty evil concealed in those around her.

Publishers Weekly Review

The third fantasy outing (after Fire Angels) of the mage Dion Holyhands (aka Dion Demonslayer, Lady of Ruinac) takes her across the ocean to the land of Aramaya, the center of civilization and, she suspects, the current home of her missing niece, Syndal (aka Dally). Dion and her friend Kitten survive shipwreck to reach Akieva, the capital of a country with most of its features borrowed (if intelligently) from czarist Russia, and soon encounter the niece. But Dion's niece turns out to be in thrall to a powerful conspiracy of necromancers, and is in fact possessed by Dion's old nemesis, the demon Bedazzer. In rapid succession, Dion begins an affair with the demon-hunter Count Nikolai Terzu, rescues her niece, is reconciled with her ex-husband and has to chase down the necromancers to their stronghold in the southern marshes of Aramaya's latest conquest, Mazorra. Even Dion needs help on the last errand, and gets it from Aliceander the Crocodile Goddess, ruler of the marshes. Like its predecessors, the book combines romance, mystery and adventure in a fantasy setting, and in spite of the author's very fair degree of skill, this particular troika doesn't pull well in harness. Dion's obsession with her childlessness will surely grow tedious for some readers. Routley deserves credit for superior world-building and above average characterization, however; even if she isn't doing anything new here, she is at least covering familiar ground with more aplomb than are many of her colleagues.

Mage Heart (The Chronicles of Dion Volume 1)

Fire Angels (The Chronicles of Dion Volume 2)

Ticonderoga Publications is very happy to announce the signing of Jane Routley’s award-winning Chronicles of Dion trilogy.

First published between 1996 and 1999, the deal sees these books back in print in quality tradepaperback editions.

The trilogy comprises Mage Heart, Fire Angels and Aramaya. Fire Angels and Aramaya won the Aurealis Awards for Best Fantasy Novel in 1998 and 1999 respectively.

The three volumes are expected to be published between late-September and early December, 2012.

The Chronicles of Dion tell the story of Dion Holyhands, a young woman coming to terms with her magical power in a patriarchal, often theocratical society.

"Jane Routley's trilogy really is gripping reading, full of wonder, intrigue, romance and magic,” Ticonderoga Editor Russell B. Farr said.

"I picked up Mage Heart and didn't come up for air until I'd finished Fire Angels—we were visiting friends at the time and I wasn't a very sociable guest, but I was very happy," Russell B Farr added.

The Chronicles of Dion are presently available as ebooks from Clan Destine Press.

Jane Routley has written five novels for adults. Her short stories have been widely anthologised, have appeared in Meanjin and been read on the ABC. She enjoys mentoring emerging writers and has had many years experience in doing so. When she’s not writing she works for the railways and hangs around Flinders Street Station looking for ideas.

The late Sara Douglass said of Jane Routley’s work: “[she] writes with a freshness and vigour rare in today's crowded market. Her characters are a dexterous mixture of the astute, the delightful, and the deceptive, displaying the full range of human weakness and wonder—no wonder the plot glides forward so effortlessly."

Ticonderoga Publications is a multiple award-winning independent press based in Greenwood, Western Australia. Founded in 1996, Ticonderoga have published or announced almost fifty titles.

The Chronicles of Dion are scheduled for publication in 2012. The collection will be available in hardcover and trade editions.

Fire Angels

The Chronicles of Dion Volume 2

Jane Routley

Winner of the Aurealis Award

Reunited with the family she left behind as a child, Dion finds her cherished homeland of Moria overrun by marauding Witch Hunters and dreaded Fire Angels. She soon realizes that she must use her awesome powers to help save her land and its people from the crushing grip of the Great Destroyer. Finding herself thrust into a morass of court intrigue, political conspiracy, and furious passion, Dion is forced to confront the deadly, seductive world of demons. Ultimately it is her strength of will, and the pure heart and bravery of the man she loves which will serve as her only weapons against the arch necromancer who would make her his queen.

Publishers Weekly Review:

"An accomplished fantasy of maturity and depth, Routley's second novel (after Mage Heart) continues the story of Dion Holyhands, raised by a stern foster-father to develop her outstanding magical powers. Here, Dion is reintroduced to the extended family she had lost and continues her coming-of-age, including renewed battle against her lover and foe, the demon Bedazzer. Dion is a strong character, introspective but often misled by self-doubt and guilt. Aided by the gypsylike Wanderers, she finds that her magic has destined her for a central role in the government of her homeland, Moria. While many genre fantasies simply add magic to political intrigue, Routley's are noteworthy for the natural and inevitable intertwining of the two. Here, for instance, different countries prohibit and allow different magics, thereby controlling their citizens. Well-drawn backgrounds and characters add to the appeal, as Routley produces another fantasy that can be read for more than myth or pyrotechnics, accelerating her rise as one of the genre's bright new stars."

Mage Heart (The Chronicles of Dion Volume 1)

Aramaya (The Chronicles of Dion Volume 3)