Aegis of the Gods Series by Terry C. Simpson

Death feeds life in Denestia. The world’s power corrupts those who wield it. Magics and creatures long thought dead rise again. To the west, the armies of the shade marches, leaving carnage in their wake. In the east, the ruling Tribunal strives to maintain its stranglehold on its empire while bringing the rest of the ‘uncivilized’ world to heel under the guise of ‘enlightenment’ even as the independent kingdoms reel before the shade’s advance... moreDeath feeds life in Denestia. The world’s power corrupts those who wield it. Magics and creatures long thought dead rise again. To the west, the armies of the shade marches, leaving carnage in their wake. In the east, the ruling Tribunal strives to maintain its stranglehold on its empire while bringing the rest of the ‘uncivilized’ world to heel under the guise of ‘enlightenment’ even as the independent kingdoms reel before the shade’s advance. Caught in the middle are four: Ryne Waldron, a living legend, driven near madness by his power and hunted by the Tribunal’s assassins and the shade, struggles to defend a village he swore to protect. Irmina Nagel, a Tribunal assassin bent on revenge, is sent to retrieve Ryne and must pass her final test even if it scars her for life. Ancel Dorn, a gifted student at the cusp of his power’s manifestation, has lost his way due to a love spurned, and now finds himself hunted by the shade and guided by a mysterious killer. Galiana Calestis, a Teacher, a Tribunal leader, is burdened by past failures and must manipulate any in her way to see the Chronicles come to pass and save her people. Between warring nations, vengeful leaders, magic and steel, myth and men, the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Who shall unite the kingdoms? Who can bring the world’s power to heel? Who can walk the knife’s edge of harmony? If none can, then Denestia is doomed. less

Knight Commander Stefan Dorn, leader of the Unvanquished, has known only war, death and, victory. All in the name of his loyalty to King Nerian the Lightbearer, a man he idolized.Until now.Everything he thought he knew about the King, his people, and his world is coming to an end. At a time when there should be peace, he's once again called to war.Torn between shocking changes at home, his family, loyalty to his men and his King, Stefan wishes only to enjoy life away from the battlefield... moreKnight Commander Stefan Dorn, leader of the Unvanquished, has known only war, death and, victory. All in the name of his loyalty to King Nerian the Lightbearer, a man he idolized.Until now.Everything he thought he knew about the King, his people, and his world is coming to an end. At a time when there should be peace, he's once again called to war.Torn between shocking changes at home, his family, loyalty to his men and his King, Stefan wishes only to enjoy life away from the battlefield. But with the new campaign comes a rabid, unforgiving enemy and a potential cataclysm.Follow him as he fights to save his family, his people, his honor, and his birthright from the grips of the shade. Can he save them all? If not, which will he choose, which will he lose?The Shadowbearer is a rousing and engaging prequel to Etchings of Power and a worthy addition to the Aegis of the Gods series. less

Ancel Dorn has gained the first of his power. And now he’s a wanted man.Ryne Waldron wants to teach him. The Nine want him to be taught before they kill him. Galiana Calestis wants him to live, and learn, and hopefully accomplish what she never was able to do: save their people. Irmina Nagel wants to love him again. Stefan Dorn, his father, wants him to lead and pave his own path.The Tribunal and the shade want him dead... moreAncel Dorn has gained the first of his power. And now he’s a wanted man.Ryne Waldron wants to teach him. The Nine want him to be taught before they kill him. Galiana Calestis wants him to live, and learn, and hopefully accomplish what she never was able to do: save their people. Irmina Nagel wants to love him again. Stefan Dorn, his father, wants him to lead and pave his own path.The Tribunal and the shade want him dead.All he wishes is to save his mother if she lives; rescue his father from the Tribunal’s clutches; find love again; help his people. And to learn how to harness his power before it drives him mad or kills him.Cities will burn. The innocent will die. The dead shall rise. Nightmares will stalk the land. Guardians will wreak havoc.Can he, Irmina, Galiana, and Ryne help to stem the tide? If so, at what cost?Book 2 in the Aegis of the Gods series sees the world teetering as dark hands reach across time to usurp the gods and start a trek for ultimate power. less