Description

Book 1 of the Muspelheim Trilogy of the Realm War Chronicles by Jillian Leigh Jacobs.

Cadmus Brand is a gladiator, a legend in the arena, and the last of an ancient order of sorcerers. Known as a pharmakon, he draws forbidden magic from secret alchemical elixirs he injects directly into his body. His powers could rival those of the gods themselves—if the kashmari demon lords don’t discover his secret first.

In the blood-soaked city-states of Muspelheim, where the kashmari rule with twisted blood magic and human sorcery is outlawed, Brand’s victories in the arena keep him alive—but his fame is no shield against his own hubris—or against the cunning of a kashmari lady who watches his every move.

Far across the desert, an ancient artifact resurfaces for the first time in centuries, and Brand finds himself thrust in a deadly arms race. Rebellion stirs, demons whisper in the dark, and the myths of old gods spark like embers in the ashes. Brand must choose: fight only for his own survival, or risk everything to defy the monsters who would enslave his world.

A dark fantasy series of forbidden magic, ancient alchemical secrets, and brutal battles—perfect for fans of dark magic, mythic tales, and epic fantasy series.