The Basilisk Throne

By: Greg Keyes

Narrated by: John Skelley

For centuries the Drehhu have ruled every continent, brutally enslaving the human inhabitants. Now after endless wars the human empires of Ophion, Velesa, and Modjal have pushed the inhuman enemy back to their heartland and unite in a final, massive assault.

The victors will rule from The Basilisk Throne

Alastor Nevelon and his son Crespin set sail against the Drehhu, and they have their own secret weapons. Yet Alastor is forced to send his daughter Chrysanthe to the capitol city Ophion Magne as a “token” of his loyalty to the emperor. He instructs Chrysanthe to use her considerable intellect to discover what plots may be afoot, even as she enters a place where courtly manners hide murderous intent.

As nations collide the true key to defeating the Drehhu may lie in a remote mountain stronghold, with a wild rogue known as Hound and Ammolite, the young slave of a sorcerer more ancient than any nation—whose loyalties remain threateningly unknown.

©2023 Greg Keyes (P)2023 Recorded Books

A complete story!

Keyes normally writes series, so I was putting off reading until the next one was out. How surprised was I to find when I finally broke down and read that it was a complete story.

As always, Keyes keeps the action accelerated and doles out information about what the larger stakes are in small increments. This could be a case where mystery box writing works.

There were some unanswered questions remaining at the end, about the origins and powers of certain characters and what made the world the way it is, but it ended fairly well for the main characters. The decadent court where one main character must play investigative politics contrasts with the coming invasion of a hostile alien power by an alliance that is planning mutual betrayal before the battle is even won.

I can easily imagine a few one shot follow ups exploring this world further.

Only issue is it ended

Greg Keyes has done it again! Great world building without effort. Looking forward to the rest of this