The Darkness Before Them

The first in an exciting, action-packed new trilogy from epic fantasy author Matthew Ward, The Darkness Before Them introduces readers to a world ruled by a dangerous immortal king, where souls fuel magic, and a supernatural mist known as the Veil threatens to engulf the land.

These are dark times for the Kingdom of Khalad. As the magical mists of the Veil devour the land, the populace struggles beneath the rule of ruthless noble houses and their uncaring immortal king.

Kat doesn't care about any of that. A talented thief, she's pursuing one big score that will settle the debt that destroyed her family. No easy feat in a realm where indentured spirits hold vigil over every vault and treasure room. However, Kat has a unique gift: she can speak to those spirits, and even command them. She'll need every advantage she can get.

Kat's not a hero. She just wants to be free. To have her old life back. But as rebellion rekindles and the war for Khalad's future begins, everyone - Kat included - will have to pick a side.

Author: Matthew Ward
Publisher: Orbit
Published: 11/07/2023
Pages: 576
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.34lbs
Size: 9.22h x 6.08w x 1.31d
ISBN13: 9780316476607
ISBN10: 0316476609
BISAC Categories:
- Fiction | Fantasy | Epic

About the Author
Matthew Ward is a writer, cat-servant and owner of more musical instruments than he can actually play (and considerably more than he can play well). He's afflicted with an obsession for old places--castles, historic cities and the London Underground chief among them--and should probably cultivate more interests to help expand out his author biography.

After a decade serving as a principle architect for Games Workshop's Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 properties, Matthew embarked on an adventure to tell stories set in worlds of his own design. He lives near Nottingham with his extremely patient wife--as well as a pride of attention seeking cats--and writes to entertain anyone who feels there's not enough magic in the world.