Blood and Tears Series by Joshua P. Simon

As a young warrior in the elite Kifzo army of his fathers tribe, Tobin lives a life consumed by the relentless training demands of his uncle. Despite his best intentions and hard work, he struggles to cope with his father's indifference toward him and his brother's outright hatred.A chance opportunity may change all of that. Tobins father gives him, his brother and three other young Kifzo each a small squad to lead on a key mission... moreAs a young warrior in the elite Kifzo army of his fathers tribe, Tobin lives a life consumed by the relentless training demands of his uncle. Despite his best intentions and hard work, he struggles to cope with his father's indifference toward him and his brother's outright hatred.A chance opportunity may change all of that. Tobins father gives him, his brother and three other young Kifzo each a small squad to lead on a key mission. The squad leader who succeeds will be named Warleader and will command the entire tribes army. Tobin sees this as his best chance to step out of the shadow of his brother and earn the respect and recognition hes always desired.Warleader is a short story of approximately 9,200 words. It is a prequel to the epic fantasy Rise and Fall: Book One of the Blood and Tears Trilogy. A free excerpt of Chapter 1 of Rise and Fall is included in the purchase of Warleader. less

Jonrell escaped from his previous life, leaving behind an unhappy existence of privilege and responsibility. Two years later, as a captain in the mercenary Hell Patrol, responsibility has found him again, whether building relationships in the chow line or saving lives on the battlefield. After completing their most recent contract, the Hell Patrol is looking forward to a long-deserved rest. But when a former employer conspires against them, many are thrust into new roles, including Jonrell... moreJonrell escaped from his previous life, leaving behind an unhappy existence of privilege and responsibility. Two years later, as a captain in the mercenary Hell Patrol, responsibility has found him again, whether building relationships in the chow line or saving lives on the battlefield. After completing their most recent contract, the Hell Patrol is looking forward to a long-deserved rest. But when a former employer conspires against them, many are thrust into new roles, including Jonrell. While on the run for their lives, Jonrell's skills are put to the test as he reins in the clashing personalities of the surviving Hell Patrol members.Walk Through Fire is a stand-alone novella of approximately 36,000 words. It is a prequel that takes place ten years prior to the events of the epic fantasy Rise and Fall: Book One of the Blood and Tears Trilogy. A free 9,000 word excerpt of Rise and Fall is included in the purchase of Walk Through Fire. less

An ill-prepared queen, a soft-hearted mercenary, and a crippled warrior struggle as a kingdom falls and an empire rises.For years the High Mages of Cadonia have maintained an uneasy peace among the nobles disgruntled with the rule of the king. In the aftermath of a tragic event, Elyse, the kings daughter, is thrust into a role she is not ready for. As queen, she must now determine who to trust while struggling to keep the kingdom from collapsing around her... moreAn ill-prepared queen, a soft-hearted mercenary, and a crippled warrior struggle as a kingdom falls and an empire rises.For years the High Mages of Cadonia have maintained an uneasy peace among the nobles disgruntled with the rule of the king. In the aftermath of a tragic event, Elyse, the kings daughter, is thrust into a role she is not ready for. As queen, she must now determine who to trust while struggling to keep the kingdom from collapsing around her.The Hell Patrol, a legendary mercenary outfit commanded by Jonrell, finds itself disenfranchised with their current employer. Recalling a promise he made over a decade ago, Jonrell breaks his contract in order to right the wrongs of his past. On the continent of Hesh, the Blue Island Clan has long been ignored by its neighbors. Tobin, a warrior and son of the Clans ruler, struggles as an outcast as he watches his brother Kaz lead his fathers army to glory. Emboldened by a new friendship with a mysterious shaman, Tobin finds himself gaining the respect he always wanted. An epic fantasy tale, Rise and Fall is the first book in the Blood and Tears Trilogy. less

A Warleader proves his worth, a High Mage seeks revenge, a Commander overcomes his past, and a Queen solidifies her rule.On the continent of Hesh, Tobin has finally gained the two things that have always been out of his reach—the respect of his clan and a woman’s love. He now seeks to finish what his father began. When Tobin faces an enemy he never knew to suspect, he is left questioning not only his ability to rule, but also his sanity.A High Mage has been humbled, but he has not been defeated... moreA Warleader proves his worth, a High Mage seeks revenge, a Commander overcomes his past, and a Queen solidifies her rule.On the continent of Hesh, Tobin has finally gained the two things that have always been out of his reach—the respect of his clan and a woman’s love. He now seeks to finish what his father began. When Tobin faces an enemy he never knew to suspect, he is left questioning not only his ability to rule, but also his sanity.A High Mage has been humbled, but he has not been defeated. After spending his time devouring the history of Hesh, he’s discovered a way to return home and reclaim what was once his. But before he exacts revenge on his enemies, he fulfills an obligation to his one remaining friend.In the aftermath of great tragedy, Kaz has taken the role of commander, and with it, a mountain of headaches. He expected threats from his enemies. He did not expect the largest headaches to come from within his own ranks. To make matters worse, the faded memories of Kaz’s previous life are returning and what he sees haunts him.Queen Elyse’s kingdom faces collapse at the hands of a civil war. While her army has been organizing to secure the crown against traitorous lords, she has worked at her role as queen. Suspicion of traitors among the ranks of her council threatens to undermine Elyse's authority when a chance for peace presents itself.A year after the events of Rise and Fall, Steel and Sorrow is the second book in the Blood and Tears Trilogy. A free three chapter excerpt of Walk Through Fire: A Blood and Tears Prequel Novella is included. less

A rising slave trader. And abused people. An unlikely hero.Cassus left the Hell Patrol two years ago, confident that his decision to escort a group of freed Byzernian slaves to safety would make up for leaving his mercenary family and best friend behind.After Cassus safely delivered the Byzernians to their homeland, he decided to lead a movement to take down the slave trade. As each subsequent mission ended, the danger to his men grew. Still, he pressed on... moreA rising slave trader. And abused people. An unlikely hero.Cassus left the Hell Patrol two years ago, confident that his decision to escort a group of freed Byzernian slaves to safety would make up for leaving his mercenary family and best friend behind.After Cassus safely delivered the Byzernians to their homeland, he decided to lead a movement to take down the slave trade. As each subsequent mission ended, the danger to his men grew. Still, he pressed on.Cassus receives word that a powerful slave trader, someone from his past, has set up a village to breed the Byzernians like cattle. He risks everything trying to dismantle the operation only to be captured. Transported along with a group of slaves, he hears news of tragedy striking the Hell Patrol. Cassus struggles to help the Byzernians survive one last time despite the ghosts of his past calling him home.Hero of Slaves, is a novella of approximately 12,500 words. The story takes place after the events of Rise and Fall and Steel and Sorrow, the first two books in the Blood and Tears Trilogy.This ebook also features a two-chapter excerpt from Walk Through Fire: A Blood and Tears Prequel Novella. less

A warleader seeks redemption. A High Mage doubts his success. A commander faces his past. A queen hardens her resolve. Tobin's domination of Hesh has left him feeling empty, the cost of victory too high. A recurring nightmare drives him to learn the one truth that could ease his heart. Just when he thinks he may have found peace, an unlikely foe pushes him back into a life he wanted to avoid. A High Mage is on the cusp of victory when a power he did not anticipate reveals itself... moreA warleader seeks redemption. A High Mage doubts his success. A commander faces his past. A queen hardens her resolve. Tobin's domination of Hesh has left him feeling empty, the cost of victory too high. A recurring nightmare drives him to learn the one truth that could ease his heart. Just when he thinks he may have found peace, an unlikely foe pushes him back into a life he wanted to avoid. A High Mage is on the cusp of victory when a power he did not anticipate reveals itself. Rattled, his aggressive strategy changes to one of caution. He searches for a way to overcome the new threat while guarding himself against traitors among his would-be allies. Kaz's returned memories of wife and home are a mixed blessing. The memory that brings him the most joy causes pain to someone he cares for greatly while the memories of his brother only inspire hate. Before he can return home he must win a battle against insurmountable odds. More than ever, the support of the Hell Patrol will determine his success. At the High Pass, Queen Elyse's war-torn army faces a massive horde of invading warriors. In Lyrosene, her throne is threatened once again, but by someone she never suspected. The two conflicts consume her night and day as she wrestles with a solution to her problems. Trial and Glory is the third and final book in the Blood and Tears Trilogy. Free excerpts of Walk Through Fire: A Blood and Tears Prequel Novella and Hero of Slaves: A Blood and Tears Novella are included. less