Top Fantasy Series, June 2012

The Danilov Quintet is like stepping outside on a cold winter morning and taking a deep breath: it is cool and refreshing and exhilarating. Set against the historical backdrop of 19th century Russia, Jasper Kent has meshed harsh history with dark fantasy in an amalgamation that is altogether astonishing. The struggles of the Russian people are made all the more difficult with the introduction of the Oprichniki -- twelve capable warriors who bear a darker purpose than anyone realizes. Three of the five novels are available, and the fourth cannot arrive soon enough.