MIRIAM VERBEEK
Crime fiction and Contemporary Fantasy Author
Skyseeker’s Princess
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They taught her the skills of a ruler, then they betrayed her. They've no idea what they've set loose on the land.
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***** Author Shout Reader Ready Award.
***** Book Excellence Award
Ellen's always known that her island home of Si'Empra has a precarious existence, stitched together by ancient alliances. Her grandfather tested those alliances, setting in train the gradual destruction of the island's fabric. Blinded by power, Ellen's brother continues to ignore the dangers of following in his grandfather's footsteps. Unable to bear her brother's abuses, Ellen flees into the island's mountanous wilds, stumbling into the lives of other fugitives. She becomes embroiled in battles against the ruling elite, proving herself a skilled negotiator and woman of the people. Howeer, as she navigates the treacherous waters of Sie=Empra to secure a better future for the island's inhabitants, there remains a past to face and many things to learn .... like not making deadly promises.
In a world divided by prejudice, survival comes at a cost - and the question is: can Ellen really survive?
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The plot is original, and the world building just blew me away ,,, This is a story like I have never read before. It is a clever mix of modern day – ie smartphones, internet, etc, and classic fantasy. I have to say I loved it (NetGalleyReviews)
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PRAISE FOR SKYSEEKER'S PRINCESS
“Highly imaginative, original, appealing, and relatable!” (Book Excellence Award)
“Verbeek’s series opener is lyrically written, deeply emotional, and full of intrigue” (Prairie’s Book Review)
"Skyseeker’s Princess is the thrilling kickoff to an epic tale of adventure, courage and the power of friendship. Packed with incredible world-building and led by an inspirational yet relatable heroine, this tale is perfect for readers of fantasy and thrillers alike." (Novel Cause)
Ms Verbeek presents her characters in stunning detail capturing the imagination and bringing them to life. Her world build is unique and interesting ... Looking forward to future books (OnlineBookClub)
This book is beautifully written. The unique world of Si’Empra is intricately drawn, full of fascinating characters and a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. Whether you’re a long-time fantasy fan or just looking for a thrilling new world to explore, Skyseeker’s Princess is a must-read.
Cryptal’s Champion
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When Ellen — the Ülrügh’s resourceful, fragile daughter — bargains a virigin to bring needed supplies to a starving island, she sets off a chain that fractures families, exposes stolen histories, and mobilises the ancient power beneath the earth.
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As helicopters scour the cliffs to cower people at the behest of the charismatic, unhinged Ülrügh, Cryptals stir to answer a new, terrible Song. Ellen, weakened by illness and driven by duty, must navigate Guild betrayals, marauding devouts, and the moral cost of power. She will bargain and bribe, steal and plead — and she will learn how fragile the ties between Skyseekers, Crystalmakers and Cryptals truly are.
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The island’s future hinges on a single question: can a leader forged by compromise hold a people whose survival depends on the very beings they once hunted? Only by following Ellen into tunnels, courts, and the quiet of the caves will this answer be found.
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***** "Fast-paced and immediate ... chock full of action and intrigue" (Book Excellence)
***** "Verbeek returns with this poignant and engrossing second installment in the Songs of Si'Empra series as her adolescent protagonist fights for her people while struggling with inner demons" (OnlineBookClub)
Si’Empra’s Queen
The past stalks into Ellen's life. Distracted by the remaining tasks to secure Si'Empra's future, Ellen is slow to recognise the threat ... when she does, it's too late.
**** "Brilliant and captivating ... This series has a richness that deepens with each book"
Fifteen years have passed since the beginning of this third part of the Songs of Si'Empra. Much has changed on the island of Si'Empra. Trusting the peace that reigns, Ellen can finally reveal the island's beating heart to Richard. To do so, she must journey away from Si'Em city beyond the Barrier Cliffs that protect Si'Empra's eastern reach. She shows Richard Si'Empra's foundations and its tenuous secrets.
And while she and Richard are away, revenge creeps into Si'Em City and infects the family she has sacrificed so much to protect.
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PRAISE FOR SI"EMPRA'S QUEEN
"A must-read for both fantasy buff and lovers of women’s fiction" - Prairie’s Book Review.
"Brilliant and captivating ... This series has a richness that deepens with each book" - Amazon Customer.
Songs of Si'Empra
***** Finalist in Chanticleer series awards, 2023.
***** Book Excellence Award Winner (book selected for its high-quality writing, design and overall market appeal).
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***** Selected for a Maincrest Media Book Award in the Fantasy category.
“A must-read for both fantasy buff and lovers of women’s fiction” - Prairie’s Book Review
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“Brilliant and captivating ... This series has a richness that deepens with each book” - Amazon Customer.
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Get ready to dive into the richly detailed world of Si’Empra in this thrilling urban fantasy trilogy, Songs of Si’Empra. This heart-warming and fast-paced tale explores grief, sacrifice and love as Ellen works to end the abuses of Si'Empra's rulers and then solidify peace.
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A shocking betrayal pulls Ellen away from her position as the pre-eminent leader of Si'Empra and puts the island nation in the hands of her power-hungry and abusive half-brother. Forced to flee into the mountains, Ellen faces a choice—find a way to outsmart her brother or hide in exile.
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As Ellen embarks on a journey through the far-flung Skyseeker villages, she becomes embroiled in a battle to save one village from financial abuse and corruption, quickly proving herself a skilled negotiator and woman of the people. However, as she navigates the treacherous waters of Si’Empra to secure a better future for the island’s inhabitants, there remains a past to face and many things left to learn. Like not making deadly promises.
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Even when, Fifteen years later, she has achieved a peaceful and prosperous Si'Empra, the past re-asserts itself. The Crystalmakers are struggling to adapt to the changing times, and Ellen’s failing health means she must find and train another leader to take her place. Meanwhile, the privateer Ellen once bargained with is back, and he has a score to settle. With Ellen distracted, he slowly embedded himself in the Skyseeker society. His vendetta against Ellen burns hot, and he will stop at nothing to get his revenge. Now, he’s finally in the perfect place to exact it.
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Full of intrigue, action, and unforgettable characters you can’t help but love, Si’Empra’s Queen is perfect for fans of Lindsay Buroker’s Legacy of Magic and Leigh Bardugo’s Alex Stern series. Read the complete adventure.
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Flight
In this first part of the "Songs of Si'Empra" series, Ellen starts her journey to realisation. She's toying with the idea of escape but the choices and promises she makes in this early part of her adventures are those that trap her for the rest of her life.
"Beautifully imagined ... an extraordinary setting ... this is an excellent book. (Patrick Gilbert-Roberts, "The Intervention"****)
On the cold but beautiful Antarctic island of Si'Empra, the people have a choice to make ... or maybe the choice is not that of the people but of one person. She could continue to run but she's impetuous and brave and her childhood training has given her an instinct to outwit those who are destroying her land.
When Ellen wakes to find herself on the ground by the side of the river with Rosa at her back and the Cryptals staring at her, there's only one thought in her mind and that is "I'm never going back. Never!" And if that means dying, that's okay. Except that's not what the Cryptals want and it's not what the stranger who finds her wants. Between them, they drag her into another understanding of Si'Empra: of friendships and courage; of people who refuse to accept defeat against all odds; of cultures both unique and so – so – dangerous to themselves; of a future that could be.
And while Ellen dodges the duties she was born to shoulder, her brother's destructive actions become increasingly crazed till even those who support him begin to feel afraid.
This is a creative and unique story with amazing world-building. The author’s skilful use of imagery captivated me from the first page. From the cold and relentless setting to the unusual and delightful animals, this story is well-developed and engrossing (Jane (Goodreads)*****)
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Expect this book to leave you on a cliff-hanger ... download the rest of the series to read Ellen's full story.