Parthian’s first fantasy novel that was met with raving reviews is next up on the shelf for our summer reading deal. Escape into Jodie Bond's world of grisly battles, witches and immortality with 20% off - just use code VAGABOND20 at the checkout. Get your next summer read here.
‘A gripping fantasy debut..If you’re hungry for a new epic fantasy series, the debut novel from Jodie Bond might be just what you need’ Western Mail
The Vagabond King which was released in 2019 was Jodie Bond’s debut novel and a first for Parthian for dipping into the fantasy genre.
What would become of our world if corrupt rulers had the power to live forever?
In the unfair and merciless world of Asthenia where immortality can be attained by the ingestion of a mineral compound, the few elite stand shoulder to shoulder with Gods ruling over their ageing subjects. Whilst the mortal subjects are handed the loosing hand in a land where cruelty thrives.
Threon who once lived a life of luxury in the palace is now exiled and alone. This now vagabond must adapt to survive. Throwing his lot in with a witch, a rebel soldier and a woman touched by a god, he seeks retributions for the wrongs committed against his family.
But when the gods begin to interfere with their plans, is it a curse or a blessing?
'Bond offers something fresh, combining Welsh mythology with the nation’s mining history to create a rousing epic about political struggle, injustice, and rebellion, with a distinctly Welsh bedrock.' Wales Art Review
Jodie Bond recently caught up with Zoe Kramer from the Wales Art Review to reflect on the three years since the release of her debut novel, lockdown writing and a shift from fantasy to memoir writing.
Chatting about the difficulties in writing the sequel to The Vagabond King Bond reflected, ‘I’m quite horrible to my core beloved characters. That’s the hardest bit – torturing the poor buggers’.
Jodie Bond with Parthian's publishing director Richard Davies at the Cameo Club of The Vagabond King.
Mythology has often influenced Bond's writing style, not surprisingly as Bond's upbringing was set against the picturesque and often mysterious north Wales mountains. However the often 'flawed' Nordic gods and their habits of 'interfering where they shouldn't be' plays a key role in The Vagabond King and gave Bond inspiration to 'play around with that very ancient tradition of gods meddling with human affair'.
Read more about what's coming next for Jodie Bond and the world of The Vagabond King in the full Wales Art Review article here.
