WHEN DESTINY CALLS
THERE'S NO FIGHTING BACK

As a bard's apprentice, Kihrin grew up on heroic tales. Yet he also steals, desperate to escape Quur's slums. And when he raids the wrong house, he's marked by a demon, and life will never be the same again.

Kihrin's plight attracts royalty, who claim him as their immoral heir's lost son. However, far from living the dream, Kihrin's embroiled in his new family's ruthless schemes. Escaping just makes matters worse, as Kihrin is horrified to discover he features in an ancient prophecy. Every side - from gods to demons to dragons - wants him as their pawn. And maybe Kihrin isn't even the hero, for he's not destined to save the empire. He's destined to destroy it.


'Everything epic fantasy should be . . . brilliant, enthralling and deeply, deeply satisfying'
LEV GROSSMAN


'A fantastic page-turner . . . I loved it'
JOHN GWYNNE


'It's impossible not to be impressed . . . a larger-than-life adventure'
NEW YORK TIMES

Jenn Lyons lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, three cats and a nearly infinite number of opinions on anything from Sumerian mythology to the correct way to make a martini. Lyons traces her geek roots back to playing first edition Dungeons & Dragons in grade school and reading her way from A to Z in the school's library. Formerly an art director and video game producer, she now spends her days writing fantasy. She was nominated twice for the Astounding Award for Best New Writer (in 2020 and 2021). She is the author of the five-book A Chorus of Dragons series and the epic fantasy novel The Sky on Fire.