The beginning of an epic fantasy journey

Sometimes, the most dangerous monsters are the ones we cannot see, because they are inside of us.

Killian Thornwood’s sole purpose as a warrior is to kill monsters for survival and entertainment, but after a yearlong war with centaurs concludes, the dark beast within his mind will not die. He tries to find some normalcy—such as strolling through town with his secret beloved and trying to be taken more seriously—but repeated rejection and degrading remarks only add fuel to the fire within him. And the more his wrath grows, the more he believes a part of him is physically changing inside, and he is desperate to understand why his humanity seems to be slipping from his grasp.

Isa Rocliff would rather fight with her bow and arrows than be forced to hide like the law demands her gender to do. She has longed to be with Killian for most of her life, but with her mother against her marrying a warrior, it seems her dreams may never be realized. Yet when the king declares Killian a threat to his authority, she sees a chance to fight for the man she loves. She will find a way to save him—even if it means her new path might lead to her death.

Meanwhile, Reginald Rocliff, Killian’s childhood friend and Isa’s brother, is unraveling buried historical truths, which have long been perceived as myths. His findings can put all of them in jeopardy—especially after he reveals that the king might be unworthy of the throne.

Killian, Isa, and Reginald must fight for each other and for the future of the kingdom, but if Killian can’t embrace who he really is, their battle may be over before it has even begun.