Gargi's quest to find and destroy the pendants and their evil influence on humanity, stopping Ahriman from annihilating her clan, takes her on a journey through time and across dimensions into a discovery of her own belonging.
"The Pendant and a Rose" blends classical and contemporary styles in a fantasy adventure thriller. A battle between good and evil. To defeat the malevolent Ahriman, who perverts the souls and minds of humankind, the gods despatch Savitur. Ahriman crafts three pendants from Irin, the slain clan leader's blood, each imbued with dark power to manipulate men and crush Ahriman’s foes.
Savitur chooses an old woman, Gargi, soured by sorrow, pox and separation, to be the clan seer, and help him capture and destroy the pendants. He gives her a magical rose that propels her through time and space, but who are the people she sees, and can she find the pendants, save her clan and discover where she truly belongs? This raw and honest novel delves into complex themes of human nature, including alienation, exploitation, and the contrasting forces of love, friendship, and family. A gritty look at the adult world, examining the complexities of humanity, portraying both the icy darkness of hate and the warm light of love.
I'm about two thirds through the first draft, (January 2026) 70,000 words written so far... I think it will take me another year to finish it...
Contact andrew@andrewsugdenauthor.com
I'm Andrew, a nurse for many years, with many experiences of working in care and health, which finds resonance in my novel.
Until the pandemic, my hobby was grassroots culture, organising festivals, music events and running the Yorkshire Gig Guide. My nursing job continued during the pandemic, but the rest of my world stood still. I always wanted to be a writer. So, I sat down and wrote.