Shield and Crown

Empire Asunder #3

by Michael Jason Brandt

Some champions rise, while others fall... From prince to king, commander to general, Nico's rise from obscurity to power has launched him closer and closer to the seat of the emperor itself. But he is still a young man, untrained and unprepared for the countless pressures of ruling a land at war. Will the struggle to protect his people, help his friends, and preserve his love for his enemy's princess become too much for him? Fed up with the endless sacrifices of friends and loved ones, housethrall Jak begins a personal quest to bring down the mysterious devils that hold the empire in their malicious grip. As he seeks to find safe refuge for his companions, however, he discovers that they are not so willing to let him go on alone. Soon he learns that he needs their aid, and that from unexpected new friends, to have any chance of success. And so he must risk more sacrifices from the very people he wishes to save... The ravages of war have left soldier Yohan bereaved and bereft. Left only with one unwanted companion and a heart full of anger, he begins the hopeless quest to rescue two women from the enemy tribesmen terrorizing the empire with surprising impunity. Outnumbered and exhausted, rejecting friendship in favor of revenge, he faces a personal battle as much as an external one. Does his transformation into a single-minded killer make him as evil as those he hunts? Will he rescue the women he loves, or will he lose them along with his humanity? SHIELD AND CROWN is the powerful third act of the EMPIRE ASUNDER medieval fantasy saga, featuring political intrigue, turbulent warfare, and star-crossed romance.

Genres: Fantasy

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2018

About the author

Michael Jason Brandt is a specialist in history and geopolitics. Born in Washington, DC, he has lived, worked, and studied in the US, England, and Spain. He received his first degree in business from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. After a decade in the corporate IT world, Michael returned to education and received degrees in International Relations from George Washington University and The London School of Economics and Political Science.

Now dedicated to research and writing, Michael is a co-founder of Casus Belli Books. He currently lives in Maryland.

His first novel, PLAGUED, WITH GUILT, is the story of five friends confronted by war, disease, and the end of humanity. The EMPIRE ASUNDER series is his second writing adventure and first sojourn into fantasy.

Reviews

[Curby Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the first two but a bit disappointed in this one and may not finish the series.








**SPOILERS BELOW**





The author seems to be influenced by George RR Martin in killing off two of the most interesting characters in the book. One was somewhat understandable but one of the main characters dying was a huge letdown. If you like that sort of thing then you will enjoy the series.

[katherine frisby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting characters, action packed

Very well written with believable characters you can care about. The action keeps the story flowing. Recommended for everyone. Watch this author.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series focuses on the grueling journeys and difficult (yet often obvious from a story perspective) decisions the protagonists make. You'll read all about how cold people are, but a battle is over in a flash... It worked, but it may not be for everyone.

[Gregory Navazo Navazo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I’m really upset that the book ended the way it did. I will not give anything away but being upset with a book like 5his is a good 5hing. It means I was surprised.

[Beverly Fuqua · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book tried to wrap up and bring the three stories together, but only succeeded in becoming totally confused.