Content levels
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
There is no escaping the Empire. Even in death, you will serve. In an Empire run on 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. In the heart of the Imperial capital, Cain is known as a man who gets things done. When his best friend and mentor is found murdered, he will leave no stone unturned to find those responsible, even if it means starting a war. Step into a world of necromancy, murder, and twisted magic. A world in need of a hero.
Blood of the Old Kings: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This dark fantasy features necromancy as a central system where dead sorcerers are enslaved for magical power, plus violence, murder investigation, war themes, and imperial oppression. No sexual content, but mature themes throughout.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include slavery, murder, captivity, death, and grief (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers who love dark fantasy with necromancy, dragons, rebellion against empire, and multiple character perspectives will find this compelling.