The Chronicles of Áitarbith
Book 1
A thrilling and immersive fantasy, The Assays of Ata will keep you on the edge of your seat and perfect for fans of Trudi Canavan, Mary E. Pearson, and Tamora Pierce.
An Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalist.
Bitch.
Bastard.
Orphan.
Ata had become inured to these epithets – her self-directed labels cut much deeper:
Spy.
Liar.
Traitor.
Their accuracy rent to the bone… But all people had their roles to play and hers was one of secrecy and survival-driven destruction.
For the greater good.
Follow Ata’s travails through royal intrigues, violent invasions, and hard-forged alliances as she fights alongside friend and foe for the survival of the continent of Áitarbith. She questions old relationships and forges new ones whilst navigating treacherous courts and brutal battle landscapes, possibly finding love along the way.
In the face of an implacably ruthless enemy, as well as uncertainty as to who can be trusted, the final outcome of this struggle is anything but certain.
Praise for The Assays of Ata
“A gripping, well-paced first installment with a resourceful female lead.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Author K.I.S. crafts a richly detailed and immersive world that I fell into at once with a sense of total wonder… I would not hesitate to recommend The Assays of Ata for your next fantasy read.” — Readers’ Favorite Reviews (★★★★★)
“The Assays of Ata is a thrilling exploration of identity and duty against impending doom. K. I. S. skillfully crafts a narrative that interlaces personal stakes with larger geopolitical tensions, offering a multifaceted tale that resonates well beyond its fantasy elements. The rich characterization and quick pacing provide a captivating read.” — The Book Commentary (★★★★★)
“A striking introduction to a new fantasy series, this first book of The Chronicles of Áitarbith is an impressively elaborate and carefully crafted work of epic fantasy, with a troubled but magnetic lead character at the center.” — Self-Publishing Review (★★★★½)
“Deftly balancing intrigue, action, and emotional heft, THE ASSAYS OF ATA by K.I.S. is an engrossing epic brimming with magic, machinations, and mayhem.” — IndieReader Review (★★★★.4)
“If you like high fantasy books with headstrong heroes, political machinations, bloody battles and fantasy creatures, this book is definitely for you.” — Reedsy Discovery (★★★★)
“As a first installment of a series, The Assays of Ata hits every mark for a standout start to a chronicle. Some of your favorite tropes are utilized, like rivaling kingdoms, star-crossed lovers, and an archaic prophecy. Rather than feel platitudinous though, this novel up-cycles them in a complex, engaging way… Fantasy readers in awe of great worldbuilding and immersive prose will be glad to join Ata on this adventure and whatever comes next.” — Independent Book Review
“As the first book in the trilogy, The Assays of Ata attends to setting a worthy stage of political and personal interests which leads readers to appreciate Ata’s delicate positions and strong intentions…All these facets make The Assays of Ata a top recommendation for libraries seeking series titles that move beyond kingdom-building into the milieu of women seeking to change and control their lives and influence the options of others around them.” — Diane Donovan’s Bookshelf on Midwest Book Review
If you’d like a sneak peek at the first chapter of the novel, check it out below (click on the link if on your phone), as well as a short trailer.
Purchase links:
Prequel Novella
Freak.
Brother.
Apprentice.
All these labels ascribed to Briin he had never taken issue with. The truth, no matter how unpalatable, was a necessity and above all else, Briin was a truthteller. Until now.
Carer.
Eldest.
Diplomat.
Despite his many responsibilities, Hiirn was finally able to realise his dream and travel on the wings of ambition to far off climes, leaving the chains of familial obligation temporarily behind him.
Follow the struggles of these two brothers as they face secrecy, dark threats, and prophecy whilst traversing the shifting political and religious landscapes of a much less settled Áitarbith. In dealing with the hardships of uncovering a hidden enemy’s insidious plot, they must redefine their own relationship through the interaction of self and truth.
If you’d like a sneak peek at the prologue and first chapter of the novella, check it out below (click on the link if on your phone), as well as a short trailer.
Sample Chapter:
Purchase links:
Book 2
Mother.
Peasant.
Healer.
Ata had assumed these identities wholeheartedly, but her true self never ceased to be:
Wife.
Royal.
Fugitive.
Their inevitable truth clawed at her carefully constructed life of lies… But all truths are eventually revealed, even her own painfully buried past.
For the greater good.
Continue following Ata’s adventures fifteen years on through family crises, besiegement, and long-held loyalties as she battles beside kith and kin for the very existence of Áitarbith. She rediscovers old relationships and establishes new in her hard-won conflicts against the evil that has permeated the land, potentially reigniting love as she does so. Facing bestial puppets whose masters pull the strings from the shadows, as well as the potential of betrayal by those closest to her, the eventual outcome will inevitably change their entire world forever.
This is Book 2 of a trilogy titled The Chronicles of Áitarbith, release date: late in 2025 on Amazon
(Photo credit: Greta Kumm Fotografie)
