Halcyon Blithe, being a young man of good breeding and lineage as well as endowed with the qualities and abilities recognized as great potential, is ready to seek his fortune among those who tend and sail the awesome nautical juggernauts--the dragonships which harness the bodies and strength of living dragons with seafaring technology--as he accepts his rank as Dragonfrigate Wizard Halcyon Blithe.

In the latest chapter of the young wizard’s nautical education he finds himself second in command of a captured enemy vessel that must engage a demonship in combat. When he returns to port, Blythe is assigned duty on a dwarven dragonship.  It is on this very ship that he and his shipmates encounter deceitful politics before they can regain the security of their Arcanian dragonship and trusted crewmates.

 

Combining elements of Hornblower with Harry Potter, and Robert Louis Stevenson with Robin Hobb, Dragonfrigate Wizard Halcyon Blithe is a nautical tale rich in magic and intrigue set against a panorama of fantastic naval battles.  

Praise

"Horatio Hornblower meets Harry Potter in a tale of magical martial warfare on the high seas."--Ed Greenwood, creator of The Forgotten Realms, on Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe

“Ward is clearly familiar with both genres—and good acquaintance with disparate genres is far from universal among those who try to combine any two such….Recommended wherever nautomaniacs persuse the fantasy shelves.”—Booklist on Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe

“Shape-shifters, naval lore, and elemental magic describe this action-packed blend of Horatio Hornblower and Harry Potter.”—VOYA on Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe

About the Author(s)

James M. Ward

James Ward is the author of gaming fiction as well as an award-winning and bestselling designer of games. He lives in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.

Excerpt

Chapter One
Encounter the Enemy
 
HIS MAJESTY’S ARTICLES OF WAR: ARTICLE XXI
 
All officers of all fleets, squadrons, naval stations, and vessels belonging to the navy are required to show in themselves a good example of virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination; to be vigilant in inspecting the conduct of all persons who are placed under their command. Any commander who offends against the Articles shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

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