by Mustafa Oumensour
For three hundred years, the Nine Great Powers of Astravar have maintained a fragile peace. Nine thrones. Nine nations. Nine rulers fighting for influence over a world built on ancient magic, military power, and forgotten secrets. Then Zahar discovers Voidstone—a mysterious resource capable of powering entire cities and breaking magical barriers thought to be indestructible. The balance of the world begins to collapse. The Dragon Empire mobilizes its armies. The Maritime Kingdom tightens its control over the seas. The Iron Republic prepares for war. The Celestial Dominion speaks of an ancient prophecy. And somewhere in the shadows, an unknown power begins moving its pieces across the board. Meanwhile, in a forgotten village, nineteen-year-old Kael Varen awakens a power that should have disappeared two thousand years ago. A power connected to the legendary First Emperor. A power that could change the fate of all nine nations. As diplomacy turns into espionage, espionage into proxy wars, and proxy wars toward a conflict that could consume the entire world, Kael must uncover the truth about his bloodline. Because the greatest danger to Astravar may not be the war between the Nine Thrones. It may be the secret buried beneath them all. And when the Five Ancient Dragons awaken... the age of the Nine Thrones will come to an end.
