The Fifth Ring Series by Mitchell Graham

Intricately plotted, with compelling characters, The Fifth Ring by Mitchell Graham is the first volume in an epic fantasy trilogy that tells of a young man's survival against insurmountable odds.Despite a massive defeat decades ago, Karas Duren, Lord of Alor Sator, is again attempting to conquer the neighbouring kingdoms and bring them under one rule – his own... moreIntricately plotted, with compelling characters, The Fifth Ring by Mitchell Graham is the first volume in an epic fantasy trilogy that tells of a young man's survival against insurmountable odds.Despite a massive defeat decades ago, Karas Duren, Lord of Alor Sator, is again attempting to conquer the neighbouring kingdoms and bring them under one rule – his own. Now the evil ruler holds a weapon of mass destruction: a single ring left over from the Ancients that will allow him to control people and destroy everything and anyone who chooses to oppose him – including his own brother.In a small village, a young boy wins a ring in a fencing tournament. Born and raised on a small farm, Mathew has little contact with the outside world, until the day his father is murdered in front of his eyes. Mat kills the murderer in revenge and must run for his life. Joining him is a mysterious priest, a few friends, and his love, Lara. During his flight Mathew discovers unusual powers in the ring, powers that make him one of the most potent men on the planet – and bring him to Duren's attention...A story of courage, love, and valour, this is epic fantasy at its best. less

A force for good. . . or evil?Destiny and tragedy placed an awesome power in the hands of young Mathew Lewin. But is he its master -- or its pawn?Needing shelter from his enemies, Mathew Lewin has come to a kingdom neighboring the one he saved by harnessing the might of the ring. The haven he has chosen, however, is anything but safe... moreA force for good. . . or evil?Destiny and tragedy placed an awesome power in the hands of young Mathew Lewin. But is he its master -- or its pawn?Needing shelter from his enemies, Mathew Lewin has come to a kingdom neighboring the one he saved by harnessing the might of the ring. The haven he has chosen, however, is anything but safe. Treachery and mysterious murder plague this land and its giant king, threatening a devastating civil war and giving rise to dangerous suspicions aimed at the boy who seeks sanctuary. But Mat fears the destructive resources at his fingertips -- he must learn their secrets or be destroyed by them -- and his quest has led him here. Now, to find the answers he covets, he must confront another who wields the power . . . and venture into an enchanted place of darkness where the truest and most terrible of evils dwells. less

The long-awaited conclusion to the epic tale of Mathew Lewin, a young man who is chosen for a remarkable destiny, in this final exciting installment from Mitchell Graham. It has been three years since we've last seen Mathew Lewin, who has been hiding incognito for the past few years in his long quest to infiltrate Teanna's palace and retrieve the ring... moreThe long-awaited conclusion to the epic tale of Mathew Lewin, a young man who is chosen for a remarkable destiny, in this final exciting installment from Mitchell Graham. It has been three years since we've last seen Mathew Lewin, who has been hiding incognito for the past few years in his long quest to infiltrate Teanna's palace and retrieve the ring. Now Mat finally has a chance to get close to Teanna and the ring, as an opportunity to become a fencing instructor in the Nyngary Royal Guard presents itself. But there is much danger in the world. The Orlocks are a rising threat -- now living above ground in total control of a third of Elgaria, they plan to divide between themselves the surviving countries in their quest to annihiliate all of humanity. Even with her ring Teanna knows she can't fight the coming battle alone and a strange alliance forms between her and Mathew as they team up with their allies, the Zargoth and Coribar, in the ultimate battle between humans and Orlocks. less