by Kage Baker
First published 2008
The Riders sweep into the peaceful Yendri valley and crush everything in their path. Most of the gentle pastoral people submit to slavery, but Gard cannot. The foundling carries demon blood in his veins and rage in his heart. He flees to the forests and launches a brutal one-man war against the conquerors. His guerrilla campaign costs him everything he loves. His own people turn against him for the violence he brings. Exiled and broken, Gard falls into the hands of powerful underground mages who make him their slave. In their dark kingdom, he learns harder lessons about survival and power. He discovers subtler weapons than sword and fire. Gard must claw his way to freedom, then to command of demon armies. His path leads through vengeance toward something he never expected to find again.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, epic
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Yendri Valley
Period: Medieval
350 pages · Hardcover · Tor Books
Content warnings: slavery, violence