Blood of the Ancient Kings

The Empire must be brought down.

In a state where necromancy runs everything, power is wrested from dead sorcerers. Their bodies are bound in chains and drained of the last remnants of magic, turning it into fuel for the Empire’s machines and astonishing technical marvels.

Arien was born with a gift and long ago made peace with the darkness that awaited her. But one day a whisper from a long-dead wizard stirs in her mind—and she decides to trust it. Perhaps fate can still be rewritten, if she isn’t afraid to fight for her own future.

Far from here, beneath a volcano, a seven-eyed dragon is also shackled by the Empire. Once—before Arland clenched the Empire’s fist—he was the sacred guardian of his people. Loran, a swordswoman mourning her husband, for the first time in decades kneels before the dragon. She arrives with her last hope—and leaves with a blade forged from a dragon’s fang and a purpose capable of changing the world.

In the capital of Kain, he is known as the man who brings every beginning to its end. He will turn everything upside down to find the guilty—even if the price of truth is a brand-new war.

When all around is deception, truth becomes a weapon. And while Loran, Kain, and Arien each follow their own road, their resistance may become the stone that topples the avalanche—burying the Empire under the wreckage.

Named Best Fantasy Book of the Year by NPR, Amazon, Paste, and Book Riot!
“An exhilarating, inventive, and ferocious story of magical chains and giant swords, of a vicious Empire and those who stand against it.” – Max Gladstone
“The author skillfully weaves together the stories of three characters, each embodying their own distinct fantasy style, creating a thrilling, grounded world engulfed by the flames of war’s beginning.” – Library Journal
“A world of intrigue and heartbreaking drama. The author’s emphasis on the idea that ordinary people become heroes not by choice—gives this fantasy of rebellion against imperial rule a fresh perspective. Compelling plot twists and tense escapes intensify as passion for revolution ignites.” – Shelf Awareness
“Epic fantasy with a fast-moving plot and strong characters, blending necromancy, dragons, and magical weaponry.” – Booklist
“The novel features heroic characters and an innovative, captivating magical system. It’s breath-taking.” – Locus
“Expansive and exhilarating—this is a book by an author who clearly loves fantasy and gives readers classic genre elements in a completely new world. Damn good reading.” – Reactor
“For readers looking for a new, exciting fantasy world to dive into, this novel is sure to please.” – Publishers Weekly
“Breathes new life into classic fantasy tropes.” – Town Country
“A burning drive for vengeance and power leads to a thrilling adventure filled with magic. Astonishing.” – C. S. (K. S.) Wiloso, author of The Wolf of Oren-Yaro
“Perfect for fans of epic fantasy, and of ‘sword and sorcery’ fantasy.” – NPR
“A picturesque tapestry… If you’re looking to satisfy your appetite for good epic fantasy, pick up this novel.” – Lightspeed
“I loved it. Fast, fun, and fabulous! Truly, fantasy with a plot that races like a bullet train, propelled by sorcery.” – Dirk Ashton
“Thrilling epic fantasy that swings at grimdark.” – Fangirlish