Thorn King

The first volume of the epic fantasy series "Kingdom of Bones and Thorns," nominated for the "Main Books of the Year according to the SF website."
Two thousand years ago, a new queen appeared and defeated the lords of the castle,... freeing humanity from the bitter yoke of slavery. But now, monstrous beings roam the earth, and the fates of people intertwine in the struggle for power and the thirst for more. The royal forester, a rebellious girl, a young priest, an adventurer, and a boy who unexpectedly becomes a knight—all of them confront the forces of evil that shake the very foundation of the kingdom as the Thorn King, harbinger of death from legends, awakens from centuries of slumber.
"A remarkable story. It excites and keeps you in suspense from beginning to end." — Terry Brooks
"The novel begins loudly, setting up sharp images and convincing characters that firmly capture the reader and do not let go. A graceful, skillfully written story from a master of the pen." — Elizabeth Hayden
"A novel that captured me from the first page, and now I will eagerly await when I can begin the next volume of the series." — Charles de Lint
"A gripping journey to the very end with many betrayals, revelations, and even a few surprises." — Monroe News-Star (LA)