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The Lost War

Eidyn #1 / 3
by Justin Lee Anderson
The Lost War (Eidyn #1) by Justin Lee Anderson
  ★ 8.00 / 1
1★2★3★4★5★6★7★18★9★10★

Justin Lee Anderson's sensational epic fantasy debut follows an emissary for the king as he gathers a group of strangers and embarks on a dangerous quest across a war-torn land.

The war is over, but the beginnings of peace are delicate. 

Demons continue to burn farmlands, violent mercenaries roam the wilds, and a plague is spreading . The country of Eidyn is on its knees. 

In a society that fears and shuns him, Aranok is the first mage to be named King's Envoy. And his latest task is to restore an exiled foreign queen to her throne.  

The band of allies he assembles each have their own unique skills. But they are strangers to each other, and at every step across the ravaged land, a new threat emerges, lies are revealed, and distrust threatens to destroy everything they are working for. Somehow, Aranok must bring his companions together and uncover the conspiracy that threatens the kingdom—before war returns to the realms again.

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Updated 05/08/2025
Category: Fantasy, High Fantasy
Release date: December 16, 2022 (Orbit)

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Justin Lee Anderson

Justin Lee Anderson’s writing journey is as dynamic and adventurous as the stories he crafts. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and having spent much of his childhood bouncing between the United States and southern France, Justin's early years were shaped by a sense of movement and cultural diversity. This nomadic lifestyle gave him a unique perspective on the world, one that often finds its way into the settings and characters of his work. Whether it’s the shifting landscapes of fantasy realms or the internal journeys of his characters, his experiences have shaped a narrative style that blends humor, mystery, and depth.

Read more ...

Before diving into fiction full-time, Justin honed his craft over a 15-year career in writing and editing. He started in the world of restaurant and theater reviews, gradually expanding into editing magazines, writing business articles, and even crafting animation scripts. His years spent editing an Edinburgh guidebook only furthered his knack for telling compelling stories while refining his skill for detail and vivid world-building.

In 2015, Justin published Carpet Diem, a humorous fantasy novel that struck a chord with readers and earned him the 2018 Audie Award for Humor. This debut success marked the moment when he could fully dedicate himself to writing. From there, his storytelling only grew more intricate. His second book, The Lost War, set in a country inspired by Edinburgh, won the prestigious Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off award in 2020, which eventually led to a four-book deal with Orbit. This success set the stage for The Eidyn Saga, a series that showcases Justin’s skill at blending complex political intrigue with deeply personal character arcs.

Drawing inspiration from his love of comics and fantasy literature, Justin’s work delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the intertwining of personal choices with the greater fate of the world. His books are not just tales of adventure—they are explorations of the human experience wrapped in immersive, imaginative settings.

In addition to his novels, Justin collaborates with his wife, Juliet, on children’s audio stories and television scripts. Their project The Great Bumpkin King, produced by BBC Scotland in 2019, is just one example of their shared creative vision. The couple also runs a platform, TheWriteAdvice.co.uk, where they mentor and provide editorial services to fellow writers.

Currently living just outside Edinburgh with their five children, Justin continues to weave his stories, taking readers on journeys filled with rich worlds, unforgettable characters, and complex moral landscapes. His books, known for their blend of humor, fantasy, and mystery, continue to captivate readers and draw them into his ever-expanding literary universe.

Eidyn

In the world of Eidyn, magic is a weapon, history is written in blood, and loyalty is often a matter of survival. The series, set against a backdrop inspired by the rich history and myth of Edinburgh, dives deep into a kingdom torn by political unrest, fractured alliances, and dark, ancient forces. At the heart of the saga is Aranok, a draoidh—a magical outcast—with a past as complex and shadowed as the land he is bound to protect.

Read more ...

The first book, The Lost War, introduces a kingdom on the edge of collapse, where Aranok must navigate a dangerous web of conspiracy and power, all while facing his own haunted past. Accompanied by unlikely allies, including an exiled queen with a hidden agenda, Aranok’s journey is as much about personal redemption as it is about restoring a broken world. Each twist in the narrative brings new secrets, revealing that no one is truly safe, and the line between friend and foe grows increasingly blurred.

As the series progresses with The Bitter Crown, the stakes only rise. The mystery of the kingdom’s fate becomes clearer, and the cost of rebellion weighs heavily on Aranok and his companions. The once divided realm must now unite—or fall apart entirely—while Aranok grapples with the moral ambiguities of war, leadership, and sacrifice.

And in The Damned King, the final chapter promises a reckoning that will determine the fate of all. With the darkness closing in, Aranok and his allies are forced to make impossible choices that will either free their people or doom them to eternal servitude.

With its rich world-building, emotionally complex characters, and intricate political intrigue, Eidyn is a fantasy saga that challenges perceptions of power, loyalty, and identity. The magic is not just in spells but in the personal battles each character faces, and the choices they make will reverberate through the very fabric of the kingdom. Fans of epic fantasy with dark themes, complex characters, and high stakes will find themselves enthralled by the twisted, ever-evolving world of Eidyn.


Eidyn consists of two books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

The Lost War (Eidyn #1)
  ★ 8.00 / 1
The Bitter Crown (Eidyn #2)
  ★ 8.00 / 1
The Damned King (Eidyn #3)
  ⧗ 8.00 / 1


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