Fractured Throne (Fractured Throne Book 1)

A lurking evil emerges. War ravages the land. A fallen hero must rise. From the author of A Wizard's Dark Dominion comes the first book in this thrilling epic fantasy series. For centuries, the Shadow has been contained within its prison, but somehow it has found a way to reach beyond the walls of its cell. The evil spirit is possessing the minds of the innocent with the Blackheart, forcing them to commit unthinkable acts. The ensuing chaos has pushed Merridia into civil war. Crown Prince Meriatis has become a puppet to the Shadow's will and has taken his father captive in an impregnable fortress. An elite unit of soldiers has been summoned to end the crisis. Led by Captain Emethius, the Red Company is tasked with rescuing the High Lord and killing anyone who tries to stop them, Prince Meriatis included. But for Emethius, the mission isn't so simple – Prince Meriatis was once his best friend. To complicate matters further, Emethius learns of an outcast sorceress who may possess a cure to the Blackheart. The only problem – the sorceress is hiding in the fallen Kingdom of Cella, where the Shadow's minions reign supreme. With Prince Meriatis's condition worsening, Emethius must decide whether to keep his oath to the High Lord or seek out the sorceress. But unbeknownst to him, there are ruthless forces trying to keep Prince Meriatis from being cured. More dangerous still, Emethius's actions may unleash the wrath of the gods.