Scavenger Series by K.J. Parker

A man wakes in the wilderness, amid scattered corpses and inquisitive crows. He has no memory of who he is or how he came to be there. The only clues to his former existence lie in his apparent skill with a sword and the fragmented dreams that permeate his sleep.Alone in a hostile world he moves from village to village, masquerading as a god to obtain food and shelter. But the shadow of his past pursues him relentlessly... moreA man wakes in the wilderness, amid scattered corpses and inquisitive crows. He has no memory of who he is or how he came to be there. The only clues to his former existence lie in his apparent skill with a sword and the fragmented dreams that permeate his sleep.Alone in a hostile world he moves from village to village, masquerading as a god to obtain food and shelter. But the shadow of his past pursues him relentlessly. It whispers to him a riddle far more complex than he could ever have imagined - and a truth he may not wish to believe. less

'...indescribably addictive. I can heartily recommend both Shadow and Pattern to fantasy connoisseurs who prefer a little more bite from their fiction. Do try this most excellent of sagas. I really don't think you'll be disappointed.' - THE ALIEN ONLINE'This is exactly what the fantasy genre needs. Mature, confident prose from a talented writer...compelling, assured, intelligent - five stars' - SFXIn a world he does not know, Poldarn's future is uncertain... more'...indescribably addictive. I can heartily recommend both Shadow and Pattern to fantasy connoisseurs who prefer a little more bite from their fiction. Do try this most excellent of sagas. I really don't think you'll be disappointed.' - THE ALIEN ONLINE'This is exactly what the fantasy genre needs. Mature, confident prose from a talented writer...compelling, assured, intelligent - five stars' - SFXIn a world he does not know, Poldarn's future is uncertain. Pursued by invisible enemies, and haunted by the demons of his past, nobody can be trusted - not even himself, it seems. Attempting to piece together his own life from whatever scattered fragments he can find and dreams that hide as much as they reveal has brought him nothing but trouble. Now all he craves is peace. But will he find it on the island he believes to be his childhood home? Or will this place hold more terrors for him to confront?K.J. Parker's SHADOW began a ground-breaking new series that takes fantasy into remarkable new territory. Now, with PATTERN, the extraordinary story of Poldarn takes a new shape.Books by K.J. Parker:Fencer TrilogyThe Colours in the SteelThe Belly of the BowThe Proof HouseScavenger TrilogyShadowPatternMemoryEngineer TrilogyDevices and DesiresEvil for EvilThe EscapementSaloninusBlue and GoldThe Devil You KnowTwo of SwordsThe Two of Swords: Part 1The Two of Swords: Part 2The Two of Swords: Part 3NovelsThe CompanyThe Folding KnifeThe HammerSharpsSavagesSixteen Ways to Defend a Walled CityMy Beautiful Life less

Returning to his childhood home was supposed to bring peace for Poldarn. But it was not to be. The island proved no sanctuary from the ghosts of his past, or from the demons that stalk his dreams. Instead he has unearthed yet more tantalizing clues to his former life. And with each fresh discovery, Poldarn is coming ever closer to the reality of his shadowy origins... moreReturning to his childhood home was supposed to bring peace for Poldarn. But it was not to be. The island proved no sanctuary from the ghosts of his past, or from the demons that stalk his dreams. Instead he has unearthed yet more tantalizing clues to his former life. And with each fresh discovery, Poldarn is coming ever closer to the reality of his shadowy origins. One by one the fragmented tales and obscure clues are falling into place, forming a truth he cannot escape, a past he cannot deny, and a history that may be more than he - or anyone else - can bear ... less