an unmissable epic fantasy where three heroes stand against an empire powered by necromancy
Blood of the Old Kings opens an enthralling new epic fantasy series from award-winning South Korean author Sung-il Kim (translated by Anton Hur) perfect for fans of John Gwynne, Andrea Stewart and James Islington

'Thrilling, inventive, and fierce - a tale of malevolent empire and those who stand against it. Not to be missed' Max Gladstone

There is no escaping the Empire. Even in death, you will serve.

In an Empire fuelled by necromancy, dead sorcerers are the lifeblood. Their corpses are wrapped in chains and drained of magic to feed the unquenchable hunger for imperial conquest.

Born with magic, Arienne has become resigned to her dark fate. But when the voice of a long-dead sorcerer begins to speak inside her head, she listens. There may be another future for her, if she's willing to fight for it.

Miles away, beneath a volcano, a seven-eyed dragon also wears the Empire's chains. Before the imperial fist closed around their lands, it was the people's sacred guardian.

Loran, a widowed swordswoman, is the first to kneel before the dragon in decades. She comes with a desperate plea, and will leave with a sword of dragon-fang in hand and a great purpose before her.

Blood of the Old Kings begins an epic fantasy adventure in which three strangers fight back against an all-powerful Empire, from award-winning author Sung-il Kim and translated by the highly-acclaimed Anton Hur.

'A woman's burning quest for vengeance and power leads to a thrilling magic-filled adventure. Absolutely captivating' K.S. Villoso

'Fast, fun and fabulous! Truly imaginative fantasy with a story that speeds along like a bullet train fueled by sorcery' Dyrk Ashton

'Epic underdog fantasy in which choice outweighs destiny . Readers seeking an exciting new fantasy world to sink into will find this hits the spot' Publishers Weekly

'A magnificent tapestry . If you're looking for something to scratch that sprawling epic itch, give Blood of the Old Kings a chance' Lightspeed

'Full on fantasy delight . expansive and exciting―it's a book that so clearly loves fantasy and gives readers classic elements of the genre in a totally new way. Blood of the Old Kings is just a goddamn blast to read' Reactor

'An immersive world that's sparking towards war' Library Journal