In ancient times, brother betrayed brother. Now war rages between their descendants. The Children of the Night, with their twisted blood magic, battle to overcome the savage treachery of the Children of the Day and take back what was stolen from them. In the brutal Kingdom of Night, elite fighting men known as Thorns train with blood magic and blade. Souls bound until death, they exist to protect their lords. But not always willingly. Izakiel, former crown prince, has the birthright torn from his hands and is sentenced to serve as Thorn to his younger brother, the newly named heir to the throne. Aaram, piratical raider and son of the seas, watches his people slaughtered by the Armies of Night. Shamefully taken alive, he is enslaved to protect the very royal family he’s sworn vengeance against. He will break his chains or die trying. Brat—thief, street rat, survivor—is given the choice between the noose and a new life. The decision isn’t a hard one, and becoming a Thorn might even pay out in the long run. That is, as long as the young rogue can keep hidden the one dark secret that could bring everything crashing down. United by fate, the prince, the pirate, and the thief will band together to fight the tyrant who enslaved them. No one escapes the Thorns unscathed. What readers are saying: "This is grim, brutal fantasy, and everyone bleeds." - Royal Road Reviewer "Every character is compelling enough [...] that you don't feel impatient to get to your personal "Tyrion or Matt Cauthon."" - Royal Road Reviewer "A gem of a book through a wonderfully grimdark world." - Royal Road Reviewer "I want to live beneath the ghostlight." - Royal Road Reviewer