Rojan Dizon Series by Francis Knight

From the depths of a valley rises the city of Mahala.It’s a city built upwards, not across—where streets are built upon streets, buildings upon buildings. A city that the Ministry rules from the sunlit summit, and where the forsaken lurk in the darkness of Under.Rojan Dizon doesn’t mind staying in the shadows, because he’s got things to hide. Things like being a pain-mage, with the forbidden power to draw magic from pain. But he can’t hide for ever... moreFrom the depths of a valley rises the city of Mahala.It’s a city built upwards, not across—where streets are built upon streets, buildings upon buildings. A city that the Ministry rules from the sunlit summit, and where the forsaken lurk in the darkness of Under.Rojan Dizon doesn’t mind staying in the shadows, because he’s got things to hide. Things like being a pain-mage, with the forbidden power to draw magic from pain. But he can’t hide for ever.Because when Rojan stumbles upon the secrets lurking in the depths of the Pit, the fate of Mahala will depend on him using his magic. And unlucky for Rojan—this is going to hurt. less

With the destruction of their main power source, the towering vertical city of Mahala is in crisis. Downsiders are verging on a riot, and the mage Rojan Dizon is just trying to keep his head down and some power back to the city --- whilst staying hopeful that he won't get executed for using his magic. Then things go from bad to worse when a Downsider and emerging mage is found murdered. It's a crime that divides all sides, and the result is mayhem... moreWith the destruction of their main power source, the towering vertical city of Mahala is in crisis. Downsiders are verging on a riot, and the mage Rojan Dizon is just trying to keep his head down and some power back to the city --- whilst staying hopeful that he won't get executed for using his magic. Then things go from bad to worse when a Downsider and emerging mage is found murdered. It's a crime that divides all sides, and the result is mayhem.But Rojan's worst nightmare is just around the corner. When he discovers the killer's identity, he's either going to be responsible for all-out anarchy, or for a war with Mahala's neighboring countries that no one is prepared for.And there's nothing Rojan hates more than being responsible. less

The concluding volume of the Rojan Dizon series where magic must save a city on the eve of its destruction.The towering vertical city of Mahala is on the brink of war with its neighbouring countries. It might be his worst nightmare, but Rojan and the few remaining pain mages have been drafted in to help. The city needs power in whatever form they can get it -- and fast... moreThe concluding volume of the Rojan Dizon series where magic must save a city on the eve of its destruction.The towering vertical city of Mahala is on the brink of war with its neighbouring countries. It might be his worst nightmare, but Rojan and the few remaining pain mages have been drafted in to help. The city needs power in whatever form they can get it -- and fast. With alchemists readying a prototype electricity generator, and factories producing guns faster than ever, the city's best advantage is still the mages.Leading the alchemists is Rojan's sister, with a risky plan to help tap the mages' strength and overcome the armies marching towards them. With food in the city running out and a battle brimming that no one is ready for, risky is the best they've got . . . less