Blood of the Old Kings

Loran’s quest for vengeance and liberation leads her to a seven-eyed dragon’s volcano. Cain’s investigation into his friend’s death ensnares him in deadly conspiracies involving spies and assassins. Arienne escapes her sorcery school, armed only with a sleep spell, knowledge gleaned from adventure novels, and a menacing voice in her head. Kim masterfully weaves together their stories, which each embody a different style of fantasy, creating an immersive, thorough world that’s sparking towards war. The characters are unwilling subjects of a conquering empire that excuses its violence by claiming it offers the gifts of peace and civilization. Though the empire’s technology, which draws its energy from the corpses of sorcerers, seems far too strong for the last vestiges of hidden magic, Loran, Cain, and Arienne are caught in the momentum of destiny. The trio do come into contact, but each arc remains its own and comes to a satisfying conclusion.