Dive into an apocalyptic medieval world from multiple perspectives in this standalone debut novel from award-nominated author J. J. DE GROOT that combines the epic horror of Attack on Titan with the religious mysteries of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose.

The Horsemen are here, and they aren't leaving until the last remaining kingdom is burned to the ground. ⚔️

Fifteen-year-old Balmung works as a necromancer, negotiating with malevolent ghosts and helping lost souls pass on. His goal? Join the Necromancy Guild – trusted by Brevaria’s High Astrologers to protect their kingdom from the Horsemen – and repay Guild leader Magdalene for saving his life.

To earn her favor and a place at her side, Balmung must journey into the heart of Horsemen territory and retrieve a holy relic that could save Brevaria. The quest sets him on a collision course with others seeking its power: Roma, an astrologer determined to bargain her way out of a political marriage, and Dieter, an undercover prince who must dethrone Brevaria’s king if he wants to save his people.

New horrors lurk in the ruins of fallen nations, and longstanding truths begin to crack. What is the true nature of the relic they're after, and are the Horsemen really mankind's greatest threat?

⚠️TRIGGER WARNINGS - PLEASE READ ⚠️

This work is a story about necromancers, astrology, politics, and religion in a medieval world. While the heroes may be seen as progressive, the same cannot be said for every character, nor for medieval culture as a whole. The following are a list of potentially triggering topics that this story contains. Please review the list below to make sure the content of this story is safe for you. AGES 15+

Detailed descriptions of:
-War themes and military violence
-Body horror
-Religious persecution

Mild descriptions of:
-Medical procedures
-Branding
-Cannibalism
-Suicide

Mentions of
-Sexual abuse
-Parental abuse
-Pedophilia
-Torture

✨ This story proudly features BIPOC and LGBTQ+ characters and does not include racist, homophobic, or transphobic language of any kind. ✨