"The fire which utterly consumed the town of Darien on that fateful day in June, 1863 was a tangible expression of the uncontrolled hatred which enveloped the entire nation. The fire burned almost all of the homes and public buildings of Darien, including the school and church houses. The fire sparked a responsive hatred that burned in the hearts of the people of Darien long after the ashes of their town had grown cold. This is the story of how that hatred began, how it manifested itself in the destruction of Darien, and how destructive passion finally cooled so that rebuilding could begin." --Book jacket.

Darien is a creative ten-year-old girl who wishes to escape her dull and predictable life. She loves to read, draw, and daydream, despite her parents' efforts to teach her to be practical. But when a stormy day brings Darien together with her peculiar neighbor, strange things begin to happen. Miss Mildred-or Miss Mildew, as she is called behind her back-lives across the street from Darien. Old-fashioned and stern, Miss Mildred agrees to babysit Darien for the day and shares her secret box of mysterious paints. Using the power of her imagination and her painting skills, Darien creates a doorway to another world; a world full of turmoil and unrest. She unexpectedly finds herself in the other world, caught up in a quest to find justice for dragons and humans alike. Come along with Darien on a magical adventure as she encounters bizarre creatures, confronts a bad-tempered dragon, flees from a wicked king, attempts a daring rescue, and tries to find the courage to believe in something real-herself.

Kyle and his sister Anna find themselves in an alternate world in which they have special powers to help carry out the will of the Unseen One.

Discover your new favourite fantasy series . . . _______________ The city of Darien lies at the heart of a dying empire. Twelve families spoil for a throne soon to be made vacant - by murder or civil war. Into this fevered, hungry city come six strangers: An orphan and an old swordsman. A hunter and a pitiless killer. A young thief and a cynical chancer. As the sun sinks the city will know no slumber. For long dormant passions have awoken. Fortunes will be won and lost. Lives will be staked and claimed. And a story long waiting to be told will catch fire in the telling . . . _______________ What readers think . . . 'One of the best fantasy novels I've read' ***** 'I'm a huge fan of Iggulden, but this takes it to another level' ***** 'A must-read and a very welcome addition to the genre' ***** 'Enough machinations, conspiracies and controversies to rival Game of Thrones' ***** 'If you love David Gemmel, you will love this' ***** _______________ Darien is the first book in the Empire of Salt, THE epic fantasy series of spellbinding imagination . . .