Throne of Ashes

Prince Enzo Valerius, fourth son of King Aldric Valerius, was never expected to inherit the throne. That never bothered him. While his older brothers competed for their father’s approval, Enzo became something far more dangerous: a master swordsman, battlefield tactician, and commander loved by ordinary soldiers. King Aldric begins to fear that loyalty to Enzo may someday eclipse loyalty to the crown. After Enzo wins a seemingly impossible battle, evidence suddenly appears accusing him of plotting against the king. Aldric strips Enzo of his title and exiles him beyond the kingdom’s northern frontier into the Ashlands, a ruined territory where monsters, criminals, abandoned settlements, and forgotten armies survive. Enzo leaves with one promise: He will never beg to return. Instead, he’ll build something greater.