Perfect for fans of dark fantasy, fantasy humour, and gripping tales of magic and suspense, this is a tale where destiny collides with danger, and heroism is as otherworldly as the monsters that crawl over the dark moors.
What begins as a routine assignment quickly spirals into a battle for survival, thrusting Cane into the heart of a rebellion led by… monks?! With the once-peaceful realm of Valoria teetering on the brink of chaos, Cane uncovers the dark forces at play—an insidious plot helmed by the evil Duke Nieman, whose black corruption spreads through the land like an unseen, macabre curse.
At the centre of it all looms the enigmatic High Priestess Atropa, a figure steeped in occult power, whose ultimate goal is nothing short of Valoria’s complete domination. As Cane fights to untangle the web of lies and betrayal, he encounters magical beings and uncovers an ancient key that holds the answer to it all. But not all is doom and despair. Alongside his unlikely companions, Cane discovers moments of wit and humorous camaraderie, even in the bleakest corners of his new world in turmoil.
And Baroness Gradunce, whose beauty and mysterious allure leave Cane questioning everything—even his own heart. As the battle rages on, Cane must navigate a perilous quest to save Valoria, facing mythical powers, haunting revelations, and the chilling truth: not everything that shines is gold, and some truths are better left unknown.
What readers say:
“Debut novel by Francesca Hepton. What an entrance!”
“Do not read unless you have the whole day free.”
“Filled with the good, the bad, and the funny.”
“A dash of the familiar and a dollop of delicious evil.”
"When I finished reading, I felt I had been on a massive fantastic journey!"
"A rip-roaring read from start to finish. Highly recommend even if you don't normally read fantasy like me,"
