Impyrium

A 2018 TEXAS LONE STAR READING LIST PICK!

"A rare jewel. A new classic in the fantasy genre." — Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series

Henry H. Neff’s new high-stakes middle grade fantasy follows two unlikely allies as they confront a conspiracy that will shake the world of Impyrium to its core.

For over three thousand years, the Faeregine dynasty has ruled Impyrium. But the family’s magic has been fading, and with it their power over the empire. Whether it’s treachery from a rival house, the demon Lirlanders, or rebel forces, many believe the Faeregines are ripe to fall.

Hazel, the youngest member of the royal family, is happy to leave ruling to her sisters so that she can study her magic. But the empress has other plans for her granddaughter, dark and dangerous plans to exploit Hazel’s talents and rekindle the Faeregine mystique. Hob, a commoner from the remote provinces, has been sent to the city to serve the Faeregines—and to spy on them.

One wants to protect the dynasty. The other wants to destroy it. But when Hazel and Hob form an improbable friendship, their bond may save the realm as they know it…or end it for good.

An age has passed since the Cataclysm that shook the world. From the ashes rose the Faeregine dynasty, which has ruled Impyrium for over three thousand years. But the family’s magic has been fading, and with it their power over the empire. Now many believe the Faeregines are ripe to fall.

Hazel is the youngest of the royal family, happy to leave ruling to her sisters and study her magic. But the empress has other plans for her granddaughter, dark and dangerous plans to exploit Hazel’s talents and rekindle the Faeregine mystique.

Hob Smythe is a commoner toiling in the empire’s mines. When a mysterious stranger offers him a chance to serve—and spy—in the palace, Hob leaps at the chance to escape his dreary life and fight against a system that oppresses nonmagical humans.

But Hazel and Hob soon find their destinies linked not only with each other but with the fate of Impyrium itself. Their improbable bond will either save the realm or end it for good.

Henry H. Neff delivers a high-stakes fantasy where two unlikely allies confront a conspiracy that’s even bigger and more sinister than they imagine.

“A rare jewel. A new classic in the fantasy genre.” - Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series

“Neff offers a meaty, nearly 600-page series opener, an indulgence for readers thirsting for a futuristic cloak-and-daggers plot with magical creatures...An adolescent version of a Game of Thrones-like plot that unfurls with players on both sides vying for their rightful places.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Grade: A. Neff expertly crafts a world that is both stunning in its detail, and impressive in scope...the novel is packed with both story and high stakes as both Hazel and Hob are forced to deal with not just peer rivalry and academic difficulties, but also class disparity, civil unrest, and societal expectations. In this way Neff has created not just a world that not only exists on its own, but one readers will be eager to return to. - Entertainment Weekly

“It’s quite a feat that Neff manages to resolve all of the major plot points in this first volume of a projected series while still leaving plenty to keep readers wondering about while they eagerly wait for the next entry.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Neff adroitly mixes magic, adolescence, and mystery, all while meticulously building a believable world whose characters slowly realize that history has many holes worth examining... Neff has created a fantasy world that will not only satisfy dedicated fans of the genre but also attract budding social activists searching for a fictional reflection of their real concerns.” - School Library Journal

“Neff offers a meaty, nearly 600-page series opener, an indulgence for readers thirsting for a futuristic cloak-and-daggers plot with magical creatures, including an elusive dragon that fraternizes only with the royalty of this post-Cataclysmic Earth. The heady politics of the story mimics the classic rulers-versus-the-impoverished narrative, with an adolescent version of a Game of Thrones-like plot that unfurls with players on both sides vying for their rightful places. [T]his is a nicely paced adventure that attaches readers to the bookworm Hazel and the heroic Hob. ” - Kirkus Reviews

“Neff’s novel is wonderfully detailed, building a rich and fascinating picture of a complex society. The book’s real joys come from watching Hazel find herself, coming stunningly “alive, more vividly and deliciously than she could remember.” Readers will share her excitement and eagerly await the next book. ” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“The world of Impyrium is fully formed, down to the last detail, which allows Neff to expertly touch upon themes of social unrest and class disparity, while still telling a heart pounding, adventure-packed story. ” An Entertainment Weekly Best Middle Grade Book of 2016 - Entertainment Weekly