From the international best-selling author of the Raven's Shadow and Draconis Memoria series comes the spectacular first novel in an all-new epic fantasy trilogy. Born into the troubled kingdom of Albermaine, Alwyn Scribe is raised as an outlaw. Quick of wit and deft with a blade, Alwyn is content with the freedom of the woods and the comradeship of his fellow thieves. But an act of betrayal sets him on a new path - one of blood and vengeance, which eventually leads him to a soldier's life in the king's army.

Fighting under the command of Lady Evadine Courlain, a noblewoman beset by visions of a demonic apocalypse, Alwyn must survive war and the deadly intrigues of the nobility if he hopes to claim his vengeance. But as dark forces, both human and arcane, gather to oppose Evadine's rise, Alwyn faces a choice: can he be a warrior, or will he always be an outlaw? For more from Anthony Ryan, check out: Raven's Shadow TrilogyBlood SongTower LordQueen of Fire Raven's Blade DuologyThe Wolf's CallThe Black Song The Draconis Memoria TrilogyThe Waking FireThe Legion of FlameThe Empire of Ashes