Fame Isn't Everything
In the dying city of Yddinas, hemmed in by sea, mountains, and enchantments, champion and contracted combatant of the arena, Cael Brenion, kills to provide for his little brother. His avarice, rapid rise, and the peculiar stone in his weapon's pommel gain the attention of Valeina, the chancelloress and most powerful woman in the city, which consequently attracts the eye of sadistic Chancellor Orik. Cael discovers physical prowess means nothing in the psychological games of throne and politics, where he and his brother are nothing but pawns on a board.
Old Ways Die.
Meanwhile, Agenayus, high priest and a disguised member of another race, struggles to keep the city's ambitions within the borders of the mystical barrier that secretly protects the human race from the harmful magic beyond.
Ambitions clash, and the fate of a city and civilization will be decided by the outcome.
Sometimes...death is the only option.
Gladiator meets Game of Thrones
Great for fans of Abercrombie's First Law trilogy and Stover's Acts of Caine series

RB Ellis is a novelist from Oklahoma. He fell for fantasy at a young age and obtained a Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing because of his heroes. Now, he spends his time reading and writing fiction, creating video games based in his fictional world, and roughhousing with two hellions...or children. He loves to travel and hopes to become a full-time author, living a fantasy and traveling the world with his wife.