Product DescriptionWhat happens when heroes are as broken as the world they must reforge?A mad king's genocide destroyed Alea's home and left her sanity in tatters. Wracked with grief, she now faces a lonely life in a strange city. The war has other plans. Caught in the crossfire between the gods and their creators, Alea's new friend Arman abandons his idyllic jeweler's life--and his humanity--to protect them both from the coming terror.Across enemy lines, bastard lieutenant Brentemir Barrackborn is horrified by the blood on his hands. If he has any hope of redemption--or surviving the war--he must choose between his newfound family and the gods he worships.As Arman and Brentemir's sacrifices grow, Alea realizes that only the darkness inside her can end the bloodshed.Winner of Literary Titan's June 2020 Gold Award. Winner of New Apple Literary's 2015 Excellence in Independent Publishing in FantasyThis series has characters of various gender and sexual orientation. If this makes you uncomfortable, this is not the series for you.ReviewWinner of Literary Titan's June 2020 Gold AwardWinner of New Apple Literary's 2015 Excellence in Independent Publishing in Fantasy"Holmes weaves a tapestry of the forthcoming events with the skill of a thaumaturge."- The San Francisco Review of Books"A well developed and subtly-layered world ...filled with compelling characters and dangerousmagic"- Aurealis Magazine"...memorable characters, a rich world, and sharp storytelling, this is easily my favorite novel of the month."- Literary Titan"The world-building in this novel was exquisite and immersive. ... V.S. Holmes is more than a writer; a wordsmith would be a more suitable synonym. The way she describes things makes reading a very vivid and visual experience...Are you looking for an epic dark fantasy novel to blow your mind? Well, you just found it!" -Summon Fantasy"Holmes's writing style is somehow both lyrical and direct, and I was impressed with her patient attention to detail. If you're looking for a fantasy series to invest yourself in, this is it!"- Page Morgan, author of The Beautiful and the Cursed"The beauty with which, V. S. Holmes weaves this epic tale is nothing short of remarkable. The words spring from the page painting a detailed picture in your mind."- Cameron J. Quinn, author of The Starsboro Chronicles"It's been a while since I've read a fantasy book that really engaged me. You know that gaping hole you're left with after you finish something like Harry Potter? Well, this came remarkably close to filling it...."- Jaz Johnson, author of The Athena Universe"I couldn't put it down to save my life and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The plot line was incredibly unique ... Holmes gave me a lot of the things I look for in a wonderful story and so much more."- Cassandra Carpio, The Bookish Crypt"The writing style, characterization, and world-building...was a surprisingly refreshing change.... The very first page hooked me with the simple yet elegant narrative, which I haven't seen from a new author in quite some time. The characters' dilemmas were revealed in perfect timing yet kept me wanting more, and Holmes didn't disappoint with dropping tidbits of emotion, character growth, and internal struggle among all the action and war-time maneuvers."- Kathrin Hutson, author of Gyenona's Children and The Unclaimed Trilogy