A new legend begins in The Never King, a thrilling fantasy adventure by James Abbott.Xavir Argentum is rotting in gaol. Sentenced to life in the squalor of Hell’s Keep, punishment for an atrocity he didn’t commit, the once legendary commander is all but forgotten. His elite band of warriors are dead – and the kingdom he was poised to inherit is oppressed by the tyrant who framed him. For half a decade now, Xavir has ruled nothing but a prison gang.Yet vengeance comes to those who wait. When a former spymaster infiltrates the Keep, bearing news of his old enemy’s treachery, plans are forged. A few are compelled to restore peace – an exiled queen, an outcast witch, and an unlikely alliance of rogues and heroes. But peace and vengeance make poor companions. And first, Xavir must make his escape . . .

James Abbott is a great fantasy writer, a huge talent, Engaging heroic fantasy in the vein of Gemmell and Gwynne, Flashes of Joe Abercrombie-style grit . . it also boasts a modern sensibility: an ugly despot on the throne, religious strife, refugees, the role of propaganda . . . with likable characters and well-paced battles, it's an accomplished tale, Abbott does his world-building on the move, dropping us straight into prison with Xavir and broadening the scope once he and his gang break free . . . he creates a world that's clearly rich enough for further stories

James Abbott is a pseudonym for an established author who is trying an exciting new direction.