A Reaper at the Gates

The danger of conflict is always present, both within and beyond the Martial Empire.

The Blood Shrike, Helene Aquilla, is fervently committed to defending her sister's life as well as the lives of everyone else in the Empire. But danger looms at every corner. Haunted by his history, Emperor Marcus becomes more and more aggressive and unstable; vicious Commandant Keris Veturia takes advantage of this instability to further her own authority, no matter how much destruction she leaves in her wake.

Laia of Serra, who lives far to the east, is aware that halting the Nightbringer—rather than the Martial court's schemes—will determine the destiny of the whole world. Laia encounters unexpected threats from those she believed would support her throughout her pursuit of him, and she finds herself sucked into a struggle she never anticipated to engage in.

And Elias Veturius has given up his independence to play the role of Soul Catcher in the realm between the living and the dead. But in doing so, he has committed himself to an ancient force that requires total submission from him, even if it means leaving the woman he loves behind.