Epic of Athene: Book One - The Ashen Crossing

Sergeant Victus has survived twenty years in the empire's legions by keeping his head down and his boots on the ground. When his captain dies, he is thrust into a position he never wanted - leading a company of soldiers on an expedition to an unexplored continent, guarding a bunch of arrogant mages as they excavate long-buried ruins. On the other side of the continent, Akkaris - High Blade of the Jak-Arrak - leads a quarter of a million warriors through a portal, leaving behind their dying world on the promise of a new home for their people. But the Warcasters of the Jak-Arrak are hiding something, and perhaps a darker will is manipulating events in its favour. Back in the imperial capital, Gwendolyn - the youngest High Mage in the empire's history - uncovers hidden records warning that whatever lies buried in the ruins of that new land is more dangerous than anything the empire has ever faced. Now she must reach the continent with the help of some very strange allies, warn the expedition, and - just as importantly - make sure no one finds out she missed the boat. And beneath the land, something ancient and patient has waited twenty-five thousand years for this convergence. A multi-POV military fantasy for fans of Malazan and The First Law.