by Anthony Ryan
First published 2015
Vaelin Al Sorna returns home broken and weary after King Janus's dream of a Unified Realm collapses in bloodshed. The warrior of the Sixth Order wants nothing more than to hang up his sword forever. He has seen too much death fighting for a cause built on lies. Vaelin retreats from court politics, hoping to find the quiet life that has always eluded him. But his gift of the blood-song marks him as dangerous. Enemies seeking vengeance hunt him while others covet his supernatural abilities. When a new threat emerges to destroy the Realm, Vaelin faces an impossible choice. He can maintain his vow never to kill again, or he can take up arms one final time. The reluctant hero discovers that some battles cannot be avoided, even by those who have sworn off violence. Peace remains beyond his reach as destiny pulls him back toward war.
Genres: military-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, redemption, reluctant-hero
Setting: Realm
Period: medieval
608 pages · Paperback · Ace
Content warnings: death, graphic-violence, war