Blood of the Old Kings begins an epic adventure in which three strangers journey through a vast Empire that uses the power of dead wizards to conquer and subdue, from award-winning author Sung-il Kim and translated by the highly-acclaimed Anton Hur.
Powered by the corpses of sorcerers, the Empire has conquered the world. It claims to have brought peace and stability to its conquered lands, but some see that peace for what it is―a lie―and will give everything in the fight against it.
Loran is desperate for revenge after the Empire killed her family, so much so that the swordswoman climbs the volcano where the legends say an ancient dragon slumbers and leaps in. She finds that the legends are true, and Loran leaves the mountain with a sword made of dragon’s fang and a great purpose before her.
Cain arrived in the Imperial Capital lost and orphaned, and it’s only thanks to the kindness of a stranger-turned-mentor that he survived on the city’s streets. When his friend is found murdered, he will leave no stone unturned to find those responsible, even if it means starting a war.
Arienne’s future has never been in question―born a sorcerer, she’ll be a Power Generator for the Empire upon her death. But when she starts to hear the voice of a powerful necromancer in her head, she realizes the only thing more terrifying than dying for the Empire is never getting to truly live in the first place.
When peace is a lie, there is power in truth―and as Loran, Cain, and Arienne hunt for answers in their own lives, any one of their small rebellions could be the stone that brings the Empire toppling down.
The series
In a world scarred by ambition and ancient grudges, The Bleeding Empire unfolds as a haunting tapestry of power and sacrifice. This series plunges readers into a richly imagined empire where loyalty is a fragile currency, and the line between hero and villain blurs beneath shadows cast by blood-soaked legacies. Here, sprawling cities and war-torn landscapes pulse with dark magic and political machinations that twist fate with every whispered secret.
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At its core, the story is driven by characters grappling with identity and the cost of survival amid relentless conflict. Their journeys weave through layers of myth and reality, exploring how personal desires clash with the weight of history. The narrative balances an atmospheric blend of fantasy and subtle horror, where every revelation deepens the sense of unease and wonder, drawing readers into a world both beautiful and brutal.
This series stands out for its immersive world-building that feels lived-in and complex, refusing easy answers and inviting reflection on ambition’s true price. The prose carries a measured intensity, lyrical yet unflinching, capturing the unsettling pulse of an empire teetering on the edge of collapse.
For those seeking a tale that melds dark fantasy with intricate storytelling and morally shaded characters, this series offers a journey through realms where power is never free, and every choice bleeds into destiny.
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