Champion in the Darkness, The Champion Trilogy Book 1

Book excerpt: Enter Aramatir, a world of many kingdoms, where faith and magic war with one another. What happens in such a world when the Champion doubts? In the Kingdom of Septily, Clara has spent her entire life training to become a Sword Master. Still considered too young by many to receive a Sword of Power, and with it, the full title of Sword Master, Clara has passed her tests. The morning of her entrance into the Hall of Swords, she is kept waiting. A prophesy, long dormant, is bestowed upon her by Sword Master Dantor, her toughest teacher: she is to become the next Champion. But, to fulfill prophesy, she is kept out of the Hall of Swords and sent back to training. Sword Scout Stelia has discovered the dark secret of the King’s Shadow Guard; they are Drinaii, the mercenary army indebted to the Dark Sisterhood of Sorceresses from the Southern Continent. Stelia, once a Drinaii Captain, fears her words will not be heard by the Sword Masters’ Council. She was once their enemy. Will they heed her warning? In the nearby land of Aerland, the second prince of the realm, Adrian, has seen visions of the day he and his griffin partner Kryssander will save the next Champion. Are these visions true? And if they are, will be willing to pay the price expected for someone he doesn’t know? Champion in the Darkness is a Christian Sword and Sorcery Fantasy Adventure with faith elements. What readers are saying: "There was so much that I loved about “Champion in the Darkness” including its well-paced plot, inspiring stories of redemption, interesting characters, and fantastical creatures. But what I loved the most about this book is that it centers on Clara, a teen-aged girl who receives a calling to become her people's champion." - Ellen Jacobsen "'Champion in the Darkness' is YA fantasy/Christian fiction, and while the religious side was evident, it never overwhelmed the story. I appreciated how Martinson not only showed people displaying faith when times were easy, but how she explored loss of faith when times were hard, and how different people coped with doubt, anger, and fear." - A. McCall "The worldbuilding is incredible. I love the peeks at the history and the inner workings of the council. There are lovely details about the land and the people, and creatures that are beautiful and horrific. I'm a fan of the people of Aerland and their griffins. I would love to be chosen by griffin to become its partner!" - Christine Rains