Court Games podcast interview with David Annandale, author of Curse of Honor
A Legend of the Five Rings novel
The reckless pursuit of honor exposes an empire to demonic invasion, in this epic fantasy novel of duty and warfare, set in the extraordinary world of Legend of the Five Rings.
Striking Dawn Castle defends the mountains between the Rokugan empire and the demon-haunted Shadowlands. When a mythical city is discovered in the forbidding peaks, Hida Haru, heir and sore disappointment to his family, seizes the opportunity to prove himself. His rash expedition ends in disaster – just one samurai returns alive, and Haru is lost. Before a power struggle can break out, Striking Dawn’s battle-hardened commander, Ochiba, is dispatched to rescue Haru. She succeeds against supernatural horrors, but Haru is… changed. Now, mysterious deaths and ill fortune plague his family. Something evil is loose and must be stopped, at any cost.
The realm of Rokugan is a land of samurai, courtiers, and mystics, dragons, magic, and divine beings – a world of heroism, magic, and steel. The clans have defended and served the Emperor for a thousand years both on the battlefield and in Rokugan’s courts. While conflict and political intrigue divides the clans, the true threat awaits in the darkness of the Shadowlands, behind the vast Kaiu Wall. There, in the twisted wastelands, an evil corruption endlessly seeks the downfall of the empire. The rules of Rokugan’s society are absolute, and the Great Clans must always maintain their honor, lest they lose everything in the pursuit of glory.
More about Legend of the Five Rings Page Count: 336pp
Cover Art: Nathan Elmer
Genre: Fantasy
US On Sale Date: October 6, 2020
UK On Sale Date: December 10, 2020
Paperback ISBN: 9781839080173
Paperback Dimensions: 197mm x 130mm
Global Ebook On Sale Date: October 6, 2020
ebook ISBN: 9781839080180
Global On Sale: December 21, 2021
ISBN: 9781666190526
DAVID ANNANDALE writes Doctor Doom, Arkham Horror and Legend of the Five Rings fiction for Aconyte, and Horus Heresy, Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar and Warhammer Horror fiction for Black Library. Among his recent novels are Reign of the Devourer and The Harrowing of Doom. He is also the author of the horror novel Gethsemane Hall and the Jen Blaylock thriller series. By day, he is Senior Instructor in the Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media at the University of Manitoba, Canada, where he specializes in genre film and video games. He is also a co-host of the Hugo-nominated podcast The Skiffy and Fanty Show.
More about David AnnandalePlease note: online retailers update their catalogs at different times, and not all titles will be available everywhere immediately.
Fluch der Ehre – order now
Published by Cross Cult
Paperback On Sale: May 3, 2021
Court Games podcast interview with David Annandale, author of Curse of Honor
“The setting of Legend of the Five Rings provides some very rich material for the fusion of fantasy and horror.”
– Track of Words, Interview with David Annandale, author of Curse of Honor
“Curse of Honor is a deftly crafted and inherently riveting read from first page to last. Clearly showcasing Annandale’s genuine flair for originality and the kind of narrative storytelling style that is as entertaining as it is compelling.”
– Midwest Book Review
“A fantastic story that manages to be both accessible for readers who know nothing about the setting as well as engaging for long time fans.”
– Imperial Advisor: The L5R LCG Show
“It really is a good story, providing the perfect opportunity for Annandale to let loose and have fun with horrible supernatural creepiness and haunted, tragic characters forced into increasingly painful decisions. Highly recommended.”
– Track of Words
“Curse of Honor is a deeply compelling and sophisticated novel.”
– Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviewer
“I had expected this book to be full of long, and dull to read battles, but Annandale beautifully keeps tension high to drive you through the pages. Descriptions are brutal, from the undead, to those slaughtered with their faces removed and returned unnaturally, and so true to the pulp-ish feel of the book, it certainly pulls no punches.”
– Tabletop Gaming Magazine
“I had expected this book to be full of long, and dull to read battles, but Annandale beautifully keeps tension high to drive you through the pages. Descriptions are brutal, from the undead, to those slaughtered with their faces removed and returned unnaturally, and so true to the pulp-ish feel of the book, it certainly pulls no punches.”
– Tabletop Gaming Magazine
“Curse of Honor is a well-told story that stands on its own, with little knowledge of Rokugan required to enjoy it. The horror is effectively done, managing to give you a strong sense of the perils whilst leaving the details evasive. The characters are interesting and for those who make it to the end alive, there should be plenty of interest in seeing what comes next for them in any sequel that might follow.”
– Fistful of Meeples
“If you enjoy dark stories full of a constant fight against evil, you can add Curse of Honor to your reading list!”
– Kamila Reads
“Curse of Honor feels like an Alien movie; a tense, dimly-lit thriller where the protagonist gets extended action scenes, discovers horrific tableaus, and has to grapple with the growing paranoia of those around her.”
– Strange Assembly
“Very well written, very engaging and very well edited, with a nice flow to it.”
– Big Geordie Geek
“It really is a good story, providing the perfect opportunity for Annandale to let loose and have fun with horrible supernatural creepiness and haunted, tragic characters forced into increasingly painful decisions. Highly recommended.”
– Track of Words
“Curse of Honor is a deeply compelling and sophisticated novel.”
– Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviewer
“Truly the stuff of legend – both fun and unnerving.”
– Forbes
“Annandale has a real talent for the cinematic and the strange.”
– Starburst magazine
“Truly the stuff of legend – both fun and unnerving.”
– Forbes
Global Ebook On Sale: October 6, 2020
US Paperback On Sale: October 6, 2020
UK Paperback On Sale: December 10, 2020
Global Audiobook On Sale: December 21, 2021
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© 2023 MARVEL // Assassin’s Creed, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Watch Dogs, Watch Dogs Legion, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, Tom Clancy’s The Division, Ubisoft, and the Ubisoft logo © 2023 Ubisoft Entertainment // Legend of the Five Rings copyright © 2023 Asmodee North America // Arkham Horror, KeyForge, Legend of the Five Rings, Descent: Journeys in the Dark, Descent: Legends of the Dark and Twilight Imperium all copyright © 2023 Fantasy Flight Games // Pandemic copyright © 2023 Z-Man Games // Terraforming Mars © 2023 Fryxgames AB // Zombicide © 2023 CMON GLOBAL LIMITED // Call of Cthulhu copyright © 2023 Chaosium Inc. // All Content Copyright © 2023 Aconyte, an imprint of Asmodee Entertainment Ltd
Please note: online retailers update their catalogs at different times, and not all titles will be available everywhere immediately.