Early Reviewers Trinity Cunningham

The Guardian of the Weldafire Stone is meant to unite the people of Kartha—a task that seems impossible when so many forces are divided against each other.

A task for someone worthy. Not someone like Marc Dairner, who’d been chosen as a candidate because his parents had been martyred for the rebellion cause. Apart from bearing their name, his own notoriety as the second most-wanted man in the country should be enough to disqualify him. Despite his reluctance, he'd promised that he would consider accepting the role if ever it became necessary to appoint someone.

In the meantime, Marc has been preparing to take his parents place as the leader of the rebellion against the Valca Order. But when he meets Velle, everything changes. His eyes are opened to a world of possibilities beyond battles and bloodshed. Any plans he has to disassociate himself with the rebellion seems impossible when every act against The Order has his name attached to it, regardless of whether or not he was involved.

When Marc learns that Landon Valca of the Valca Order has discovered a magical stone that indwells the life of Kartha—the same stone he’s promised to protect if ever the time came—he’s forced to leave Velle and flee the city in order to track down an old friend and fulfill his promise before Landon gets to the stone first. As he treks across the country, making new enemies and contending with long-standing prejudices, he can’t help but wonder if anyone will ever be able to unite the people, let alone him. How can he become the hero the people believe he is when his very name elicits conflict?

Some presents should come with warnings...

Mick receives a visit from his uncle, who gives him a gift that stills the constant shaking beneath his skin—something not even his cooking could accomplish. The gift reignites a longing to return to the country of his birth. Even after learning the reason why he’d been discouraged from going, he can't help but feel compelled to answer the call.

While he weighs the risk of returning, Mick is approached by his employer—the reputable governor with a more sinister side. He presents Mick with an offer that’s too good to be true. Whether Mick accepts or declines, neither outcome is good for him. Accepting the offer would equate to a life sentence in the Governor’s service, but you don’t turn down a man like Governor Riggs.

With the Governor awaiting an answer, and his uncle’s gift stirring up old questions he'd sought answers to his whole life, Mick's decision in the moment will alter the course of his future forever.

And may bring the ruin of an entire country.