CHALMACH CHRONICLES is an epic fantasy series created by Torbjørn Øverland Amundsen and illustrated by Kim Brarud(https://www.instagram.com/purekimsanity/).
CHALMACH CHRONICLES takes place in a world saturated with magic. The power of using alhmeir is available to everyone and everything. From a simple straw of grass to the ruler of Chalmach, alhmeir is everywhere and can be utilized by plants, animals, and humans alike. Most people have an affinity for it that translate into their profession, such as calling upon extra strength to lift cargo at the docks, infusing food with extraordinary tastes, or dance with exceptional grace. But a small number are born with the ability to do much more. They are called tal’Vor, and the strongest of them shape the world.
CHALMACH CHRONICLES – BOOK ONE is an illustrated collection of short stories, but also something more. Although the stories can be read as stand-alones, giving small glimpses of different lives in Chalmach, they are part of a bigger whole, all linked in ways that will be apparent throughout the series.
The Scent
Alanaine makes sentient scents. Her small vials conjure up fragrances thought long forgotten and lost, such as The Meadow Where You Met Your First Love, or The Smell of Fear. When her oldest and most enigmatic customer falls ill in her shop, she finally gets the chance to find out why he’s been coming for all these years.
Once Upon a Story
Silian sails the canals and makes a living of bringing Chalmach to life to visitors through sightseeing and storytelling. When a University historian asks him to show her the mostly forgotten Mother’s Trail at night, he accepts out of curiosity, but also out of respect to the old tradition. However, the historian hasn’t been entirely truthful about her intentions, and Silian soon has to decide if he wants to learn all the truths about his beloved city or not.
Under the Surface
After a long day at the library, Dendrik loves nothing more than to sit in his living room with an open view to the canal, a cup of tea, perhaps a slice of cake, and read. It is the only sanctuary he has to cope with life’s complexities, or people, as they are more commonly known. But not all problems are people, and Dendrik’s peace is about to be disrupted by something he didn’t even knew existed.
The Option
Aneea must venture into the Undertow, the infamous market that lies below the shoreline. She has to find a man she has only heard about, and convince him to give her something that might get them both killed.
Better the Beshrew You Know
Arani and his sister Biun have always been canal kids, but now they are really on the run. After the old man died, Arani thought that he could keep them safe on his own, but after a night of near-capture, he realizes that it’s only a matter of time before one of the canal gangs, the church, or something much worse will get them.
Torbjørn Øverland Amundsen is a Norwegian author, living in Oslo with his family. This is his first publication in English. He has previously published two science fantasy books in Norwegian with Gyldendal, BIAN SHEN and KELESTRIEL.