Black Sheep of Soulan Series by N.C. Reed

THE WORLD DIED LONG AGO The world died long ago, leaving only a few here and there to rebuild. Their world had once been grand and magnificent, but too much was lost in the years after the time known as the Dying. Knowledge that had been gained over centuries disappeared from the world, lost when those who carried that knowledge died with it. The population has grown again over the last centuries, but the world has not regained its lost knowledge or former glory... moreTHE WORLD DIED LONG AGO The world died long ago, leaving only a few here and there to rebuild. Their world had once been grand and magnificent, but too much was lost in the years after the time known as the Dying. Knowledge that had been gained over centuries disappeared from the world, lost when those who carried that knowledge died with it. The population has grown again over the last centuries, but the world has not regained its lost knowledge or former glory. A few things survive, here and there, and scholars seek to uncover more of their Ancients lost technology. But in the midst of that comes the threat of war with a rival nation. The latest in a long line of such wars for the Kingdom of Soulan. Enter Parno McLeod, third son of King Tammon McLeod, who is unloved by his family and laughed at by the nobility. A brawling, drinking, womanizing playboy still in his teens, the common soldiers and people love Parno because he doesn't preen and pretend and Parno loves his people and his Land, even though he doesn't love his family. When sent away by his family on an impossible mission, can young Parno overcome the odds and become the prince that destiny intends him to be? less

Parno McLeod has managed to stave off disaster for now, but his kingdom is still besieged by the Imperial forces of the Norland Empire. Assuming command of the entire Soulan military in place of his deposed brother, Therron, Parno must turn Soulan's fortunes around before his home is completely overrun and his people destroyed or enslaved. His ailing father has placed a great burden on his youngest son because he simply doesn't have anyone else that can do the things that Parno can get done... moreParno McLeod has managed to stave off disaster for now, but his kingdom is still besieged by the Imperial forces of the Norland Empire. Assuming command of the entire Soulan military in place of his deposed brother, Therron, Parno must turn Soulan's fortunes around before his home is completely overrun and his people destroyed or enslaved. His ailing father has placed a great burden on his youngest son because he simply doesn't have anyone else that can do the things that Parno can get done. But Parno has enemies at home as well as abroad, and some of them are much closer than anyone realizes. . . . less

In a post-apocalyptic world thrown back into medieval times, young Prince Parno McLeod's family troubles have gone from bad to worse of late. His father has been murdered by his insane sister and his brother has only narrowly escaped death at her hand... moreIn a post-apocalyptic world thrown back into medieval times, young Prince Parno McLeod's family troubles have gone from bad to worse of late. His father has been murdered by his insane sister and his brother has only narrowly escaped death at her hand. Now as Parno struggles to adapt to his new position as Marshal of the Army after so many years of being ignored, he must prevent his sister with her elite company of Soulan Calvary from installing her evil twin brother on the throne in his father's place. Likewise, he must struggle to prevent the realms other enemies from driving any deeper into his Kingdom's territory and with getting 'reluctant' bureaucrats to help him by simply doing their jobs correctly in the King's name. Parno has been fortunate, and he is a gifted leader for one so young, but he is young, and inexperienced. He has a plan that will save his people, but he's about to learn a very important lesson; no plan survives contact with the enemy. He will also learn that despite his successes so far, he is as close to losing the war as he has been since it began. Now, gambling with his people's freedom, Parno tries to do too much, too soon, and with too few men. A gambit that he admits is dangerous, and may yet see the capitol of Soulan in flames! less

Parno Mcleod has enough problems for three people. A brother trying to steal the throne. A former fiance who has ripped him apart emotionally, and an enemy army twice the size of his own camped out on millions of acres of prime farm land he needs to feed his people... moreParno Mcleod has enough problems for three people. A brother trying to steal the throne. A former fiance who has ripped him apart emotionally, and an enemy army twice the size of his own camped out on millions of acres of prime farm land he needs to feed his people. The last thing he needs to add to all that are assassination attempts, his surrogate mother meddling in the relationship or lack thereof with his 'fiance', and word that his traitorous brother, unaware of the death of his twin, is trying desperately to reach the Coastal Province government for 'help' in 'restoring' him to the throne. But he gets all that and more as he faces off against perhaps the biggest military challenge of the war when the northern army finally seems to have had enough of just sitting there, occupying southern farm land. It's always a gamble any time Parno makes a move. Every time he moves any troops under his command he risks needing them somewhere else to prevent a disaster. He doesn't have enough anything except trouble, and those he has aplenty. And none of those causing his troubles seem to care that they are distracting him from his most important duty of all. Like, you know, protecting the kingdom from invasion and takeover. Such is life for Parno McLeod. The son everyone loves to hate. less