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Adding Depth to My Characters
The Oberon Stone follows a group of friends who are searching for an ancient artifact of immeasurable power, when one is kidnapped, turning their mission into a desperate rescue. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted the second book to break away from the artifact-hunting structure of the first, so I set up the story to make readers believe the search for the artifact was the main plot—only to subvert that expectation when the real quest became the Mage’s rescue. That shift came as a shock, flipping the narrative focus. If you look at the book’s climaxes, they’re tied more to the rescue than to the artifact itself, even in the “coming back home” moment. The artifact hunt ended up taking more of a side-quest role.
Removing the MC’s mentor was also intentional. It allowed other characters to step into the mentor role, shifting the dynamics from Book 1. The different quests also gave me the opportunity to define the rules of magic in more depth, breathing more life into the Downtown-verse—something I couldn’t fully explore in the first book without overwhelming the reader.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Ada was a difficult character for me. I was very cautious about making her more than just an unpredictable sidekick. I wanted someone loud, someone who would steal the scene multiple times, but she also needed to be deeply flawed—a character that would play with the reader’s emotions. I couldn’t push her so far that readers would put the book down because of her, but I wanted to push right up to that emotional edge, making her memorable not for her wins, if that makes sense. The hardest part was figuring out where that fine line was for different readers.
I really enjoyed writing Montgomery. It’s easy to write a classic arch-enemy—just make them all bad and powerful. But if you know anything about me, you know I’d never lean into that cliché, just as much as I dislike Deus Ex Machina solutions. So yes, Montgomery needed to be awful, but he also needed a history behind his awfulness—one that readers could relate to, enough to humanize him. I loved crafting his background: the family dynamics, the bad parenting that shaped him, his desperate need for his father’s attention, and how discovering a half-brother only deepened his existing insecurities. I especially enjoyed writing Montgomery as a father—desperately overcompensating with Rachael, trying to give her the love he never had, without realizing he was creating another version of himself. Different paths leading to the same destination.
Yes, Montgomery was a fantastic creative process.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
Mostly, yes — I knew where it was going, at least for the main ideas. But side stories and details tend to change as I populate the story. I base the overall plot on Vogler’s Hero’s Journey structure, which gives the main plot a very well-defined progression. Then, I break the story into bigger chunks, which usually turn into one or two chapters each. From there, I start layering the side stories — the events that make character interactions unique and develop each character’s individual trajectory.
For example, Bruno and Sarah’s broken romance is a side story. Sarah’s emotional progression — learning self-love and accepting that she often gives more than she receives — is another side arc in itself. These subplots, along with side quests, can shift as I write. I also tend to place unexpected obstacles in the characters’ paths that I hadn’t planned initially. This adds a sharp edge of anxiety to the quest, making readers wonder whether success is even possible. Sometimes I let the characters overcome these hurdles, and sometimes they are forced to find a workaround — a plan B. These choices often happen at the last minute. Yes, I’m the kind of author who ruins my characters’ lives — and you’ll love it.
When will book three be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book three (The Temporal Scythe) is already available for pre-order on Amazon (Kindle only). It will be released — along with the physical copies — on June 10th, 2025.
You can expect a deeper, darker, and more emotionally intense story, just as you could notice the progression from book 1 to book 2. The characters are also more emotionally mature, with their arcs intensifying both in magical knowledge and personal growth. The stakes are higher, and the long-awaited climax of the trilogy arrives, featuring the much-anticipated final battle between good and evil.
Without giving too much away, readers should prepare for the emotional rollercoaster they already know they will get from my works — only this time, with higher speed, sharper loops, and a broken track somewhere that might just as well launch them toward their doom.
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“This jam-packed, … cross-genre tale proves consistently entertaining! A smashing final-act turn makes checking out the sequels a virtual necessity.” – Kirkus Reviews
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards Nominee
Eric Hoffer Da Vinci Eye Nominee
Reader’s Favorite Five Stars YA SF / Dark Fantasy
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Liam Hale’s world spirals into chaos when he receives a message in his late mother’s handwriting-delivered by a friend who should no longer exist. This is no coincidence. As he searches for answers, he unearths something far worse: the prophecy foretelling the end times has been shattered, tearing apart the fragile barrier between the Houses of the Living and the Dead.
With the Megaverse on the brink of collapse, Liam and his companions-alongside the enigmatic druid Sarah and the unpredictable witch Bruno-set out to restore the balance. Their only hope lies in the Oberon Stone, an ancient artifact of immeasurable power. But when McCormick is kidnapped by the merciless Winifred family, their mission turns into a desperate rescue.
The Oberon Stone
In this second installment of the Conjurers’ Prophecy series, the stakes are higher, the darkness is deeper, and the emotional gut-punches come harder. The Oberon Stone dives right back into the chaos where book one left off, with Liam’s powers growing out of control, old enemies regrouping, and new villains entering the game. We get a peek behind enemy lines—into the twisted mind of Montgomery and the broken-but-desperate heart of his daughter, Rachael. The story stretches across magical dimensions, haunting memories, and existential questions about fate, free will, and what it really means to be “good” or “chosen.”
The book kicks off with a literal storm of dark energy, grief, and desperation. Montgomery flying through chaos, clutching a dying Rachael is intense. And weirdly emotional. He’s awful—seriously, he’s terrifying—but seeing his panic over his daughter gives you this whiplash moment of almost-feeling sorry for him. The writing here is theatrical, like a twisted fairytale. The fairies trapped in a dark cave scrubbing stone for eternity is both horrifying and weirdly beautiful.
Then we’ve got the heart of the book—Chiara. Watching her spiral, question everything, and fall for Rachael’s manipulation felt like watching someone you love walk straight off a cliff while you’re screaming at them to stop. In the scene where she spies on Liam and Ada through water pipes I could feel her guilt like it was my own. But what really broke me was the final confrontation with Rachael. The choking spell, the pain, Chiara trying to survive and not wanting to hurt anyone was brutal. Rachael’s cruelty felt personal. The moment Chiara dies (or seems to—Franco loves to keep us guessing) was so vivid, so devastating, that I actually had to stop reading for a minute.
And Liam… poor Liam. He’s unraveling in real-time. One of my favorite moments is when he looks at Ada and says, “I’m tired.” It’s not dramatic. It’s raw. He’s lost so much—his mom, Chiara, maybe even Ada—and he’s still standing, still chasing birds and cryptic notes like his life depends on it. That moment when Titan (his maybe-dead, maybe-magical bird) leads him through the portal into a new world was actually kind of magical. For a second, there’s peace. Wonder. Then everything falls apart again, but that pause? That pink-sky, giant-mushroom pause? It gave the book a necessary breath before plunging us back into the deep.
I absolutely recommend The Oberon Stone. But be warned—it’s darker than book one. It’s emotionally heavier. It’s also bolder, messier, and richer. If you loved the first book, this one will break your heart and make you thank it for doing so. It’s for fans of character-driven fantasy who aren’t afraid to feel a little wrecked. Anyone into morally gray characters, epic stakes, and stories that feel like myths and memories wrapped into one—this is for you.
Pages: 277 | ASIN : B0CLDCT9D7
The Pandora’s Box
L.S. Franco’s The Pandora’s Box is a coming-of-age fantasy that throws you into the chaotic, heart-wrenching, and ultimately magical life of 14-year-old Liam Hale. After the sudden loss of his mother, Liam stumbles upon a hidden world full of demigods, cosmic wonders, and parallel universes. What starts off as a rough summer in Florida quickly morphs into an urgent quest involving magical schools, mysterious holograms, ancient mythologies, and a ticking clock to save the world from spiraling evil. Franco balances it all with humor, emotion, and a relatable teen protagonist.
What really stood out to me was the emotional depth in the opening chapters. Liam’s grief over his mom’s death felt raw and authentic. That moment where he holds the green hurricane-patterned mug she gave him was emotional. The mug becomes more than a memory. It’s almost like a stand-in for his mom, a symbol of comfort and loss, and the way Franco uses it later (as a literal gateway to magic) was both clever and poetic. I felt like I was right there with him—awkward, overwhelmed, and trying not to fall apart. Even when things got fantastical, the emotional throughline grounded the story.
The writing is fast-paced and dialogue-heavy, which made it really easy to get into, even during more expository moments. I especially liked the dynamic between Liam and his best friend Ada—her personality bursts off the page. She’s loud, bold, slightly chaotic, and totally loyal. Their banter adds so much charm. When she gifts him the matching LA pendant and calls him “bestie,” you can practically see Liam’s heart crack just a little. He’s totally smitten, and it’s adorably painful. Franco nailed that awkward, hopeful teen crush energy without being corny.
Then there’s the twist: Liam is a second-generation demigod and heir to the “Keeper of the Seven Wonders” throne. His mother’s hologram spills the beans in what might be the most emotionally charged info-dump I’ve ever read. It was wild, but also kind of epic. The idea of seven parallel universes, a magical school hidden within a regular university, and secret codes inside mugs and journals gave it this mash-up vibe—like Percy Jackson meets Spy Kids with a sprinkle of Inception. The dream sequence with the unicorn and the mermaid was unsettling and beautiful. I wasn’t always sure what was real, but I didn’t mind. That’s part of the charm.
The Pandora’s Box is an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in magic and teenage angst. It’s for anyone who ever felt like they didn’t belong or wanted to escape their reality just for a little while. It’s especially great for young teens who love fantasy but want stories with heart—and some very real-world grief. That said, even as an adult, I found it moving and imaginative.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0DKMVCVNS
Wrath of the Storm Lord
Wrath of the Storm Lord is a sweeping tale of rebellion, memory, and the volatile cost of power. Set in the richly drawn world of Ver’Sut, the story follows Jerith, an outcast turned warrior-myth, as he rises to challenge the empire that crushed his people. What begins as a slow-burning character study morphs into a full-blown elemental war, with storms summoned by raw emotion and loyalty forged in blood. The novel weaves together political tension, intimate relationships, and supernatural forces to deliver a dark and layered fantasy that feels both timely and timeless.
What hooked me from the jump wasn’t the lightning-slinging protagonist—it was Harrison, the scribe. That guy is terrified, skeptical, and deeply human. Through his eyes, the reader gets a front-row seat to power that feels too big, too raw, and too dangerous to be trusted. The scene early on when he’s literally watching the ink on his page move was chilling. Like, I actually paused and thought, “Okay, Herod’s playing a deeper game here.” It’s not just about recording history, it’s about how power can warp even the telling of it. Harrison’s fear is real. You feel it.
Jerith, though. That’s where the book cuts deep. He’s not your clean-cut hero. The dude is powered by grief, rage, and something ancient. The scene where he finds out about his father’s death is wild. He literally becomes a storm. Not figuratively. He is the storm. I couldn’t stop reading as lightning turned the room to chaos, windows exploded, and he claimed the title “Storm Lord” like it was his birthright. It’s intense, and you believe it because Herod builds it slowly. You feel every loss, every scar. The relationship with Valeria was painful, honest, and beautifully tragic. She’s the daughter of the tyrant he’s sworn to destroy, and yet she stands with him. That kind of emotional tug-of-war hit hard.
The writing style is bold, cinematic, and a little unhinged in the best way. Herod doesn’t play it safe. There’s a rhythm to the prose that feels like it’s vibrating with energy, especially when Jerith taps into his power. Whole pages hum with electricity, figuratively. But it’s not just flash. There’s meat here. The philosophical backbone about whether power corrupts or reveals had me underlining entire paragraphs. Like the line, “Power doesn’t corrupt. Power reveals.”
If you’re into morally complicated characters, revolution brewing beneath snowy forests, and a storm god with daddy issues—this one’s for you. It’s not light reading. It’s charged. Heavy. But damn if it doesn’t leave a mark. Wrath of the Storm Lord is perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson’s grit, Patrick Rothfuss’ poetic edges, and readers who want their fantasy with teeth. Highly recommend for anyone ready to get swept up in a storm.
Pages: 187 | ASIN : B0DVLGKL8F
A Recurring Dream
The Prometheus Engine follows three siblings who band together to fight an evil tyrant who has taken over the land and join forces with Elven warriors to restore the rightful ruler to the throne.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
I have always loved the King Arthur legend. I think it is the first true fantasy story written. It was the inspiration behind the FOREVER AVALON Series. The series came from my time as a sailor in the U.S. Navy playing Dungeons and Dragons in my off duty time while deployed. In the 80s, we didn’t have the internet, video game consoles, or satellite TV. So, I played a lot of D&D. Add to that missing my wife and newborn baby, I started having a recurring dream about being with them on an island of fantasy. That dream stuck with me whenever I deployed. Finally, during my last deployment in 2001, I decided to turn my dream into a novel and in that deployment, I wrote my first draft of FOREVER AVALON. After I finished writing it, I stopped having the dream.
THE PROMETHEUS ENGINE is the fourth book in the series. It tells the story of the reign of Mordred the Immortal. After years of suffering and torment, Mordred finally ascended the throne of Avalon through deceit and a coup in the face of despair. The resistance against Mordred is led by the MoonDrake family, a modern family from the outside world stranded on Avalon. They discover Mordred is building a mysterious device called the Prometheus Engine to secure his reign. Hunter MoonDrake, the Gil-Gamesh and Eternal Champion of Avalon, searches for clues to this magical machine while a traitor lurks within their ranks.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important themes of THE PROMETHEUS ENGINE are family bonds and good vs. evil. The MoonDrake family is the heart of the entire FOREVER AVALON series. This family is based on the traits and characteristics of my own wife and children, so I feel very close to these characters. The determination and sacrifice this family has made for their adopted home is evident throughout the novel. Lastly, I am a big proponent of good vs. evil. There is no gray zone here. You are either on the side of life or death. Mordred is a villain with no morals, a selfish bastard who only cares for the power he wields. He will do whatever it takes to hang onto that power, even if it means killing anyone and everyone around him. On the other side, the MoonDrake family fight for life, liberty, and love. They have suffered tremendous loss in Mordred’s ascension to the throne, but they fight on for the people of Avalon. Their drive and passion are the polar opposite of Mordred.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
The fifth and final book of the FOREVER AVALON Series is called ARCADIA DAWN. This will bring the entire saga to a conclusion as the resistance against the reign of Mordred fights the war on two fronts. The Gil-Gamesh and his siblings invade Purgatory to rescue the Lady of the Lake from the clutches of Abdel ben Faust while King Bowen and the Army of Avalon fend off Mordred and his forces in the ancient elven city of Alfheimer until their return with the sainted lady. This book will end twenty years of work in the first book series I’ve written. As sad as it is to end this story, it is time to move on to some new ideas.
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Standing in his way are the children of the Gil-Gamesh: Hunter, Rose, and Ashley. Since their father’s death during Avalon’s Reclamation, these three have resisted Mordred’s reign at every turn from their new home in the ruined Elven city of Alfheimer. Along with the Holy Order of Shield Maidens and the Hîldrägo Boquè, an elite corps of Elven warriors, they fight back to reclaim the throne for the rightful heir, King Bowen, and to restore Avalon to the people.
But even now, Mordred schemes to bring down the resistance by constructing an ancient magical artifact…The Prometheus Engine. Only the immortal king knows its secrets and the power it will bring him, no matter the cost. Hunter and his siblings must race across the archipelago to uncover the engine’s secrets and discover the truth behind Avalon’s
Reclamation.
The story continues in THE PROMETHEUS ENGINE: Book 4 of the FOREVER AVALON
Series!
Magic Compendium
Fantasy lovers, gather around—Magic Compendium: Tales of Illuminaria by David “DELTAKOSH” Catuhe is one of those books that feels like stumbling upon a hidden archive of ancient magic. This magical compendium chronicles the history, evolution, and structure of magic in the world of Illuminaria. Through detailed lore, it paints a world where the gods, through the Zodiac Legion, bestowed humanity with magic, leading to the formation of magic schools, disciplines, and ethical codes. It’s not so much a conventional novel as it is a deep dive into a fully fleshed-out universe, rich with history, mystery, and arcane secrets.
What struck me first was how real this world felt. The depth of thought put into the history of magic—how it started with the Zodiac Legion, how humans struggled to harness it, and how the first magic schools formed—gave the sense that Illuminaria had existed long before I picked up the book. The section detailing how different types of magic evolved was especially immersive. For example, the explanation of telekinesis—starting from merely nudging objects and culminating in grand telekinetic engineering feats—made me wish I could enroll in one of these schools myself. The writing here is methodical but never dry. It reads like a textbook, yet with the heart of a storyteller who genuinely loves the world he’s built.
The book also has a fascinating perspective on magical ethics, which adds an extra layer of depth. Instead of just listing spells and abilities, it explores the responsibilities that come with power. The protection magic section, for instance, emphasizes that magic is meant to serve the greater good, recounting the story of Merope of Taurus shielding an entire city from destruction. There’s also a dark side—like the restrictions on death magic, where one reckless student’s attempt to revive the dead led to a chilling punishment. These moments make magic feel dangerous and awe-inspiring, rather than just a convenient tool for heroes to wield.
The lore is rich, but it reads more like an encyclopedia than a novel with a traditional narrative. There are glimpses of personal stories—the doomed student experimenting with death magic, the knights of the Legion whose powers remain shrouded in mystery—but they feel like historical anecdotes rather than fully realized arcs. Still, for fans of the Tales of Illuminaria series, or for those who enjoy worldbuilding above all else, this is an absolute goldmine. On top of all that, nearly every page is adorned with fantastic artwork that is just as magical as the book itself. The detailed illustrations bring Illuminaria to life, making every spell, artifact, and historical moment feel tangible.
Magic Compendium: Tales of Illuminaria is a must-read for fantasy fans who love deep lore, intricate magic systems, and worldbuilding that feels as textured as real history. If you’re the kind of reader who devoured the appendices of The Lord of the Rings or spent hours flipping through RPG rulebooks, you’ll love this. This book is a testament to the power of imagination and the art of crafting a world that feels truly alive.
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B0DSTBGLGJ
Mixing Fantasy with Horror
In Valenfaar: The Children’s Song, characters wrestle their own inner demons as they prepare for battle against an ominous force known as The Children. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
It came from a few different places if I’m to be honest. A lot of workshopping and finding out what felt right for the story, while also brainstorming with a good friend of mine (who the book is dedicated). Ultimately, I came up with the image of the Children first and started to let ideas fly from there. As for the characters and how they struggle with the events around them, I’ve always enjoyed it when characters have a noticeable struggle with what they’ve been through. It always makes them more real and relatable for me. So I wanted to do that with my characters too: give them more depth and have them feel vulnerable mentally as well as physically.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
Personality. Who they are, what their backstory is, and how they talk and interact with one another. I always want everyone, even the side characters, to feel real in some respect. So I give them families, vocal ticks, ignorance in some fields vs experience in others. Keeping everyone varied while having something relatable is critical for me. I don’t want carbon copies of one person all over the place.
What intrigues you most about the horror and dark fantasy genres?
The possibilities. When mixing fantasy with horror, there are so many cool and terrifying ideas people can come up with. When I wrote The Children’s Song, I never intended for it to have a horror element. It just kind of evolved on its own. But, I take in a lot of fantasy and the pure breadth of horror possibilities is great. From zombies to vampires and werewolves, we could have undead dragons, liches, ghouls, and an amalgamation of them all. With fantasy, the sky isn’t the limit, it goes beyond that. You can make the coolest scariest stuff that can be unique compared to more traditional horror.
Can you give us a peek inside Book 3 of this series? Where will it take readers?
Absolutely! Book 3 is already out (I hope to be sending it your way soon) and readers will see the events of Crimson Plains and Children’s Song collide into one big book. Both casts of characters will be present and crossing paths frequently while they try to deal with the Thregs and the Children at the same time. Of course, we’ll also see underlying plots, such as what Varen has going on, progress even further. The side characters come fully into step with who they really are and everyone takes on a more prominent role in the events of the books. Everyone becomes more important, and EVERYONE will be there to deal with everything all at once. It’s a wild ride.
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The events of Valenfaar: The Children’s Song are largely isolated from the events of the Crimson Plains and take place, simultaneously, on the opposite side of the country. If you are new to the Fall of Valenfaar series, you can read the Children’s Song without having read the Crimson Plains first.
Duty, Self-Preservation, and Desire
Stormvalor follows a woman and a man competing in a prestigious tournament, one to prove himself, the other to save her kingdom, who feel a spark for each other and end up in the cross hairs of a ruthless assassin. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated with gladiators, and I wanted that to play some kind of role in the series. It seemed perfect to incorporate this tournament to a lost god that would utilize the gladiator concept, while also bringing those three main characters together. Using that stage to set up the book, it also allowed me to express the impact the loss of the seven gods has had on the world and their culture. What was once considered honorable and right has become a hazy gray area for people to climb the social ladder, regardless of the cost. This also plays into the theme of hope and faith in humanity, something I think a lot of people are struggling with these days.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
I knew I needed at least two kingdoms with a rich history, as well as elven kingdoms, but as I plotted the arc of the series, those two kingdoms spread into five, each with a different identity and different goals. I think I drew inspiration from a lot of different sources: the epic and rich customs of Wheel of Time’s countries, the ice cap that’s a lot like the Wall in Game of Thrones (but it doesn’t hold back whitewalkers); the tenuous unity of ACOTAR; the concept of a Lord Ruler from the Mistborn trilogy. But I pulled a bit from our own world cultures as well. Elpisio is a bit like Mecca meets Vatican City. The Surak are loosely based on the nomadic tribes of Mongolia but with their own cultural intricacies. The islands of Pal Ka’iko are inspired by my trips to the Hawaiian islands. Each kingdom has roots that connect with something from our own world, even the elves.
I really tried to pull inspiration from all the books and cultures that have always inspired me, and turned them into a rich, diverse world. As I wrote the first book, each kingdom evolved a little more to give it even more depth. The history of the world and the war grew darker, with greater implications for our main characters as the books progress. Everything in this world slowly evolves as I write, but the roots remain firmly in place.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Duty and self preservation versus desire is a big one in Stormvalor. Aethan thought he had his life figured out, but his duty to his family, country, and the five kingdoms is challenged, forcing him to accept hard truths and make difficult choices. Aslyn’s entire purpose in the book is to fulfill her duty to her kingdom to preserve it for the future, but what she wants gets in the way. Blackblade is all about self preservation, but Aslyn cracks his defenses and challenges everything he built his identity around.
I also wanted to explore the concept of a world without its gods, and how that might affect the people as well as the land. Crops quickly whither and die, livestock is often emaciated or diseased, fish can cause illness, storms come and go suddenly and without predictability, stars have vanished, shadows are deadly, knowledge has twisted, and no one has truly seen a blue sky for centuries. Things aren’t looking good and if something isn’t done soon, it will become catastrophic.
It was also really important to me that all characters, big and small, evolve and learn that doing the right thing, while rarely easy, could be what is best for everyone. It’s a concept that I feel people really need to see play out to restore hope and faith in humanity. Goodness and kindness can persevere even in the worst circumstances.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
Stormvalor releases June 9, 2025. Book two is coming later in the year or early 2026. I don’t really have a firm date for that one yet. I don’t really want to spoil any of the fun by saying too much about the next book, but I will say this. Aslyn and Blackblade explore the imperial city and the imperial palace searching for information about the emperor’s plans, and some of those truths shatter everything they thought they knew about the history of the realm and their own fates. Meanwhile, Aethan seeks to make good on the promise he made Aslyn in the first book, but his path leads to treason and deadly secrets. From book two, everything really begins to ramp up for the remainder of the series. And yes… there will be dragons!
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Aethan Starkling, a lord with dreams as vast as the realm itself, has long yearned to prove himself in the prestigious Stormvalor Tournament.
Aslyn Kiernan, destined to ascend the throne of Novavito, faces her own dangerous trials. An ambitious suitor from the Emperor’s court schemes to force her into a marriage that would jeopardize her kingdom’s future. Confronted with treachery, Aslyn must navigate the perils of the tournament to secure her destiny—or risk losing everything she holds dear.
As the tournament unfolds, Aethan & Aslyn’s path intersect—pushed together by parents who seek a strong marriage match, and drawn together by the threads of fate. Together, they discover that strength and honor alone are not enough to secure victory. The price of winning is far higher than they ever imagined.
Bast Blackblade, a hardened assassin, lives by the edge of his lethal blades, dismissing the notions of gods and friendship. But when his final payment for a completed job vanishes, Bast embarks on a treacherous journey that leads him to the heart of Stormvalor, where he seeks to disrupt the budding romance between Aethan and Aslyn for his own purposes.
As alliances shift and secrets unravel, Aethan, Aslyn, and Bast must confront the truth of their own beliefs and the price they are willing to pay for victory… and for love.
LITERARY TITAN 