Samsara Quartet: Mercurial Tides.

Somewhere at the cross-current of the Odyssey and Jack Vance's Dying Earth stories, The Samsara Quartet sits, as bold first outing.  Volume 1. of a two part series, The Samsara Quartet tells the story of ambition and betray, and the forces of nature, greater than man exacting their influences through means, subtle and heavy handed. Following his unexpected emancipation from the Republic of Khald, Nairoth kickstarts a series of event that can undone whole nations and will affect the very fabric of reality itself. Armed with knowledge and allies, not wholly of this world he becomes as self-ascribed liberator of his people. Against him, in their hubris, the Republic sends the talented, but young captain, Cassael, who would soon learn that victory is costly, and that he might have none of it, unless he is willing to risk indulging in the same dangerous knowledge that corrupted his country-men.