First published 1981
Kane faces his deadliest challenge when the cruel cult of Sataki rises from humanity's forgotten past. The outlaw prophet Orted commands this resurrected faith, drawing thousands to his banner with promises of mankind's destruction. His bloody followers have already conquered Shapeki, and now they march toward the southern kingdoms. Orted knows his Dark Crusade cannot succeed without one crucial ally: Kane himself. The mystic swordsman possesses the tactical genius needed to complete the conquest, making him both the cult's greatest prize and their most dangerous enemy. Kane must decide whether to join forces with those who would annihilate his own species or stand against the combined might of Orted's converts and their leader's primeval sorcery. The battle ahead will test not just Kane's legendary skills with blade and magic, but his very soul.
Genres: historical-fiction, military-fiction, fantasy, dark-fantasy
Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Shapeki, Southern Kingdoms
Period: Forgotten Past
222 pages · Paperback · Coronet
Content warnings: graphic-violence